“We’re only filmmakers now because of the movie,” Leila said.
“We’ve been volunteers in the mental health space for over 12 years, helping our local community, raising awareness for mental health, running workshops.
“We've got a little non-profit organisation called Live Rural, and we run an event called Mellow in the Yellow, that helps us raise money to put back into our local community in the areas of health.
“It’s always been a personal passion of my husband’s and mine.”
Much of this passion comes from the couple’s background, including Leila’s parents experiencing mental health issues, and similarly in Sean’s family.
“It comes from our own personal experiences... (my dad) suffered from mental health and my mum attempting suicide,” Leila said.
“My husband losing his uncle to suicide.
“Then myself, I’ve suffered with depression and all sorts of mental illness my whole life.”
In light of these experiences, Leila was inspired to spread the message about mental health awareness.
The idea came to her during COVID, locked down watching movies at home, unable to run the annual Mellow in the Yellow community event.
“I had the light bulb moment of ‘I’m going to make a movie’,” she said.
“We couldn’t run our event... and I’m always trying to come up with ways to subconsciously get into people’s minds.
“How could I get to a wider audience? And I was like ‘wow, everyone watches Netflix or streams things... we’re going to make a movie’.”
After a long process of writing, producing, filming and editing, Just A Farmer was released last year.
Leila stars as Alison, a recent widow tasked with caring for a failing farm and an alcoholic father-in-law.
“It's really a universal story, just told through the eyes of a farmer,” she said.
“I think anyone anywhere should be able to relate to it, but... rural communities can look at it and go, ‘wow, that's really who we are’.”
Community screenings of the film have been held across the country, and have been important bonding experiences.
It opens up the opportunity for conversations and connection.
“The vulnerability of people that have just watched it, I love to get everyone to have a hug after the screenings,” Leila said.
“It really opens people up and shows them a side to mental health.
“The film allows them to make those conclusions themselves of what they should do and how they can help.”
Community screening liaison manager Kelly Wandel emphasised the impact of watching the film in a communal environment.
“It’s not about just watching the movie,” she said.
“It’s watching it collectively because that’s where the power of story comes from.
“It empowers them to learn about fundraising, giving, connection.”
Rochester Community House will host two film screenings at the shire hall, on Wednesday, March 26 at 6pm and Thursday, March 27 at 11am.
The events are free, and include a barbecue dinner or morning tea.
Funding for the screenings is supported by the Campaspe Shire Council Community Flood Recovery and Resilience Grant program.
Bookings need to be made by contacting Rochester Community House by calling 5484 3600 or emailing rochy@communityhouse.org.au
To learn more about Just A Farmer, head to justafarmermovie.com
For crisis support or if you know someone who is struggling, phone Lifeline on 131 114 or visit lifeline.org.au; Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or kidshelpline.com.au; headspace on 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au; or 13YARN on 139 276.
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