Just a Farmer Film Screening and Q&A Event in Yass
Description
Join us for a special afternoon in Yass at the historic Liberty Theatre for the screening, a moving musical performance, Q&A session with the filmmaker and refreshments.
Meet the filmmaker and star Leila McDougall and join us for a chance to connect, reflect, and spark life-saving conversations.
Just A Farmer is a powerful, independent Australian film that explores mental health in rural communities with raw honesty and hope. This compelling drama authentically portrays the impact of suicide on a rural Australian family, shedding light on critical mental health issues in farming communities.
This film uses the power of storytelling to illuminate the silent struggles within Australian farming communities, raising awareness of mental health issues, fostering empathy, and driving conversation around mental health. Through the film, the filmmakers aim to inspire collective action, ensuring no farmer faces the darkness alone.
Written and produced by Victorian mother, teacher and farmer Leila McDougall, this story has touched hearts around the country.
Leila will be joining us in person to share her journey and take part in a Q&A following the screening, followed by light refreshments in the theatre.
Please note: Viewers are advised that this film deals with themes of suicide, mental health, addiction, and loss. It is rated M - Mature themes, suicide themes and coarse language and is not suitable for viewers under the age of 15.
Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/zQ43ZmCghiI?feature=shared
HURRY! ONE SCREENING ONLY, TICKETS ARE STRICTLY LIMITED.
Proudly brought to you by Buena Vibra with the generous support of The Liberty Theatre, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, and Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW
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FILM DETAILS
Title: Just a Farmer
Total Running Time: 103 minutes
Copyright Year: 2023
Director: Simon Lyndon
Producer: Leila McDougall, Sean McDougall
Country of origin: Australia
Classification: M
Consumer Advice: Mature themes, suicide themes and coarse language
Lineup
Leila McDougall
A VISIONARY STORYTELLER INSPIRING RURAL RESILIENCE Leila McDougall is a dynamic entrepreneur, filmmaker, and advocate whose roots in rural Australia have profoundly shaped her purpose and passion. Raised on a sheep farm in Walcha, New South Wales, Leila’s journey—from fashion designer to rural teacher to filmmaker—reflects her unyielding commitment to celebrating and uplifting farming communities. Her film, Just A Farmer, is a testament to this commitment. Produced on her family farm in Tatyoon, Victoria, with a budget exceeding $1.7 million, the film explores the unspoken realities of rural life, focusing on mental health and the critical contributions of farming families. More than just a feature film, Just A Farmer has become a catalyst for conversation, encouraging communities to connect and foster deeper understanding. Leila conceived, wrote, and co-starred in Just A Farmer amidst the challenges of COVID-19, taking on the role of executive producer to ensure the film’s vision was realised. Since its release in March 2024, the film has garnered both national and international attention for its heartfelt storytelling and its ability to resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Its impact goes beyond the screen, empowering communities to come together and discuss the issues that matter most—mental health, resilience, and the value of connection. Leila’s career is as multifaceted as her passions. A decade ago, she founded Live Rural, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of farmers through initiatives like the “Mellow in the Yellow” event. Her advocacy earned her a place on the Young Farmers Advisory Council and recognition as the 2014 Emerging Leader in Agriculture. But Leila’s influence extends far beyond titles and accolades. She is a farmer, a mentor, a role model, a working mum, and a storyteller who uses her platform to shine a light on the often invisible challenges of rural life. Her work inspires communities to see the power of possibility in their own stories, fostering resilience and hope in even the most challenging times. With every project, Leila remains unwavering in her mission: to spark meaningful conversations, bring hidden challenges into the spotlight, and unite communities through shared understanding and hope. Driven by a vision for a stronger and more connected nation, she continues to use her voice and her work to inspire action and amplify the resilience of rural Australia. Her journey is far from over—Leila’s determination to spread this message of possibility and perseverance is as boundless as the landscapes that inspire her. Just A Farmer carries a message that echoes far and wide: when we share our stories, listen to one another, and stand together in support, we can build a future filled with strength, connection, and possibility for all. Watch the Australian Story episode featuring Leila: One in Seven Trillion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4VZTwh8nOU
Agenda
- 2:00 pm - 3:40 pm
Film Screening
- 4:00 pm - 4:40 pm
Q & A with Leila McDougall
- 4:40 pm - 5:30 pm
Light Refreshments
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
