FILMMAKER Genevieve Clay drew on her Newcastle connections and friendship with people who have disabilities to produce her winning Tropfest film.The former Young People's Theatre actress dedicated her victory to leading man Gerard O'Dwyer, who inspired her winning short film about challenging prejudices. Clay's film Be My Brother won top prize at the 17th annual Tropfest on Sunday night with her story about a young man with Down syndrome. "I had people with disabilities working behind the scenes as well," she said."The more inclusive the film industry, the better. It's important to create an opportunity within the industry for others."Friend and former Young People's Theatre actor Simon Connett was sound engineer on Clay's film.The pair attended the Hunter School of Performing Arts at Broadmeadow before pursuing their careers in Sydney.Clay, 20, who works at the ABC for JTV, fought back tears as she accepted the award from actor David Wenham. "This is incredible. I have worked so hard," Clay told the crowd of 70,000 gathered in Sydney's Domain. O'Dwyer, 24, was named best male actor. Clay's prize includes a trip to Los Angeles to meet film executives and $5000 cash, which she will invest in her first feature film.