Join Yackandandah Landcare for a community screening of Just A Farmer and a Q & A with Leila McDougall, the film's writer and producer.

Just A Farmer is a heartfelt and powerful film that captures the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of rural life. Through an emotional yet inspiring narrative, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by farmers —exploring themes of mental health, community support, and the unbreakable bond between people and the land they work on. The film delves into the silent struggles that many farmers face, often without support, and the impact it has on both their families and their communities.

Leila McDougall, the writer, producer, and lead actress of Just A Farmer, said, “This film is not just about telling a story, it’s about starting a conversation that is long overdue. Mental health in farming communities is a real issue, and I believe Just A Farmer can help bring much-needed change. We need to stop telling farmers to be more resilient and start showing them the empathy, respect, and appreciation they deserve".

This film is more than just a story—it’s a movement to bring awareness, create safe spaces for conversation and healing and celebrate the strength of rural communities.

Film Trailer
Film Rating: M for mature audiences. The film contains sensitive content that may be disturbing to some viewers including depictions of suicide, nudity and substance abuse. Strong language warning. Viewer discretion is advised.

WHEN: Friday, 13th June.

Doors open 6pm. Film commences at 6:30pm. Film duration 143 minutes.
The film will be followed by a Q and A with the film's writer and producer Leila McDougall and local mental health professionals. The evening will wrap up at 10pm.

WHERE: Yackandandah Public Hall, High Street Yackandandah

TICKETS: $10 per person. Ticket includes an entry into the lucky door prize- two, $500 vouchers to Yenda Producer outlets are up for grabs.

All proceeds from ticket sales go to AgBiz Care to support farmers in need.

Light refreshments provided after the film. BYO film nibbles. This is an alcohol free event.

While we are able to cater for vegetarian options at our events it is difficult to cater for every dietary requirement due to our limited funding. If you have dietary requirements outside of this option please bring your own food and drink.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, depression or suicidal thoughts, help is available. For free, confidential, 24/7 support and resources, please reach out for support by contacting:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Stand By 1300 727 247

What viewers are saying about Just A Farmer

“Wow, what an incredible true story! It brings everyday life to the screen with a powerful message for everyone. Highly recommend watching!” Ed Nicko

“This film was a real eye-opener and truly saved my life. I’m so grateful for its powerful message.” Construction worker

“I had tears in my eyes the whole movie—so powerful. Both my partner and I watched it, and as a farmer himself, he felt it was deeply personal. It sparked a great conversation afterward. Hope the rest of the country gets to witness it. Such important topics, portrayed in a very real way.” Kate Brianna

BIOGRAPHY

Leila McDougall – Writer, Producer & Executive Producer

Leila McDougall is the driving force behind Just A Farmer, bringing a personal and heartfelt approach to storytelling. Raised in a rural community, Leila understands the challenges of farming life and mental health struggles that often go unspoken. Her passion for authentic storytelling led her to create Just A Farmer, a film that resonates deeply with audiences across Australia and beyond.

Her work has been recognized for raising awareness about rural mental health and fostering conversations that lead to real change.
Australian Story Feature

KEY CAST AND CREW

Lead Actor: Robert Taylor and Leila McDougall

Supporting Cast: Susan Prior, Damian Walshe-Howling, Trevor Jameison, Oliver Overton, Vivian McDougall, Joel Jackson, Eddie Baroo,

Written: Leila McDougall

Producer: Leila and Sean McDougall

Director of Photography: Simon Lyndon

Music Composer: Bryony Marks

Editor: Ash Lukas

Director of Photography: Gavin-John Head

‘Just A Farmer’ Brings Communities Together, Raising Mental Health Awareness and Appreciation for Farmers

Just A Farmer, continues to make waves in the global film industry while shining a light on mental health in rural farming communities. The film’s portrayal of a farming family grappling with loss and mental health has earned it numerous accolades, including Best Narrative Feature at the Iris Global Health Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at the Saint-Tropez Antipodes Film Festival.

Since its release, Just A Farmer has not only captured the hearts of international audiences but also sparked much-needed conversations about the mental health challenges faced by farmers in rural Australia.

Leila McDougall concluded, “"We are so proud of the impact Just A Farmer has had, but our work is far from over. This is just the beginning of a larger movement to raise awareness of mental health issues in farming communities and show the world how much we owe to our farmers. We will continue to use the power of storytelling to bring communities together and inspire change.”

For more information about upcoming community screenings and how to host a screening in your area, visit www.justafarmermovie.com

For further information or queries contact Chontelle (KCLG Project Officer)

chontelle@kclg.org.au ~ 0491 624 943

Yenda Producers is an agricultural cooperative celebrating their 100th year anniversary in 2025. Yenda’s aim is to provide quality goods and tailored services to farming enterprises across the Riverina and North-East Victoria. Contact your local branch to enquire about a membership today!

Yackandandah Community Development Company (affectionately YCDCo) is a community owned social enterprise which puts 50% of profits back into community wellbeing causes. We are proud to be supporting this community screening of Just A Farmer

For over 30 years, Ag Biz Assist has stood beside farmers, small business owners, and families across North East Victoria and the Riverina - helping them navigate financial challenges no matter the cause, access essential services, and build stronger, more resilient futures. Just a Farmer highlights the real stories behind life on the land - stories we hear every day. At AgBiz Assist, we’re here to listen, to support, and to help create solutions that allow regional and rural communities to not just survive, but thrive.

Privacy

Note - Information collected by KCLG is collected for the purposes of event registration, insurance and emergency contact purposes on the day of an event. Your information will remain private and will not be shared outside project partners

Photos

Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups (KCLG) may use photos taken of you at this event to publicise the event and may retain the photos for future possible use in other projects. This can only occur with your approval, which will be collected during your registration. Please read the below participant photography consent statement carefully.

By agreeing to having photos taken during this event you give consent to KCLG freely using your photographic image without any personal compensation or remuneration. You also relinquish and waive any current or future rights in connection with the photos, including any intellectual property rights you may have in the photos. Your consent is subject to KCLG not using your image in a negative, unethical or defamatory manner, or for commercial gain or political purposes. The photos remain the property of KCLG and any personal details linked to the photos will be kept confidential and not used for any other purposes.