TIMBA 2nd Canberra Mental Health Film Festival Sun 13th Oct Palace Theatre

00:11:00 Prone To the Drone (Aus)

Director Daisy Montalvo from the Western suburbs of Sydney brings us a darkly comic tale of loneliness and connection. Sam spends his days working in the sweltering Sydney heat as a traffic warden, and his nights home alone, isolated from the world. Every day is the same - until a drone drops from the sky in his backyard.    

00:22:30 Minds the Limit (Russia)  

Film maker Andrei Lobanov, 22, is an aspiring film director from Russia. "Minds The Limit" is an audiovisual immersion in the inner world of people with developmental disabilities living in Psychoneurological Institution No. 3 near Peterhof. The documentary short, tells the story of a place that may look like a treatment facility but is in actuality a place of social adaptation and a space for creative experimentation. Many live under the care of its staff until their final days, while exploring new worlds through abstract painting and electronic music. Creativity is their only way to connect with the outside world. What path do they have to travel for their work to become contemporary art? 

00:09:00 Pressure (Aus)

Young Australian film maker  Hannah Deans provides a raw insight into the mental health of Australian students under the stress of their final year in high school.  

00:09:49 In my Head (Aus)

 From Melbourne Director Dean Gild, 'In My Head' explores the effects of mental illness through the life of a young man. Whilst the principal character struggles to accept what’s going on ‘in his head’ and help from those around him – he learns that his anxiety is not something that must overcome him and that he has an opportunity to change his life.

00:19:42 Running from the Blues  (UK)

 Director Jessica Boyd brings us the story of Olly Woolrych, an ultra runner who found running to overcome addiction and depression. He speaks candidly about his struggles, while documenting his ambitious run from Mexico to Panama, a distance of 6000km to raise money for the mental health charity Beyond Blue. He is an advocate for healthy living, and the power of exercise to overcome mental health concerns.   

00:04:44 Wildboy (NZ)

Directors Ain Raadik  and Ben Savage bring the story of Brando Yelavich, an extreme explorer based  in the Coromandel area of New Zealand, to life. Brando Yelavich became the first person to walk, swim and climb around the coastline of New Zealand. The life changing expedition took 600 days to complete. Brando spent most of the time living off the land, hunting and foraging for his own food. Brando has struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life. 

00:15:00 Before I Go (Aus)

Set against the backdrop of drought, short film ‘Before I Go’ looks at three generations of one family in   country Australia, and examines issues around mental health in rural areas.  Australian Director Mika Tran has made a powerful catalyst for discussions   surrounding how we can provide better support to those we love and challenge the stereotypes that hold us back. The issue of male mental health in rural areas is a silent killer, and one that is increasingly crucial to discuss.   

00:03:33 It Is Me (NZ)

'It is Me' is by New Zealand   Director Angharad Gladding. It looks at the struggles of mental health, in particular, anxiety. This artistic documentary is told from multiple perspectives from those who struggle with anxiety. It is based around three   illustrations which were also created by the director. Each illustrator gives a different point of view from those who struggle with anxiety.

Local Hero Films

00:07:32 A Home in Queanbeyan Local Hero Mixed Various Canberra Director David Jenkins   brings to life the story of a home for those with mental health challenges. The story is narrated by the lovable Prince Charles Cavalier Benny who is also a resident!

00:10:00 Mumability 

Canberra Director Judith Peterson brings the story of Louise to life. This film shares the real-life story of Louise and how she deals with being a Mum to children with high needs. She talks of their issues and her struggles to continue to grow and be   a Mum to these kids - all who individually need support. The children talk of their love for their Mum, her support and how they overcome issues in their lives.