AN important film highlighting the unique and gruelling challenges Australian farmers face each and every day will be screened in Moree on April 4 at a free event at Moree Town and Country Club.
Award-winning film, Just a Farmer, transcends traditional cinema, and authentically portrays the challenges and triumphs of farming life in rural Australia.
Leila McDougall, the woman behind the groundbreaking work, will be in Moree to introduce the film and speak about life on the land.
Event organiser Joy Holmes said Just a Farmer was an inspiring film.
“We very excited Leila is attending and introducing the event, and also chatting with people. We’ll conduct a Q&A afterwards to talk about the film and her journey,” Joy said.
“I’ve watched the film with friends and we all really enjoyed it – it is a film most definitely worth seeing.
“Just a Farmer is thought-provoking and fosters communication within farming families.
“Let’s start the conversation. This film is a powerful reflection of rural life, mental health and the strength of our farming communities,” Joy said.
Just A Farmer magnifies the often-overlooked voices of rural communities and sheds light on mental health struggles.
Importantly, Just a Farmer raises awareness of suicide in the farming sector and the lack of comprehensive medical support in rural areas.
Written by, and starring Leila McDougall, Just A Farmer takes a hard look at the challenges farmers face – challenges McDougall knows only too well.
Just A Farmer, winner of Best International Feature Film as well as Best Supporting Actress for Susan Prior and Best Cinematography for Gavin Head at the 2024 International Film Festival of Australia, will screen at Town and Country Club on April 4.
The film was also awarded Best Narrative Feature at the Iris Global Health Film Festival, Best Narrative Feature at the Buffalo International Film Festival and Audience Choice Award at the Saint-Tropez Antipodes Film Festival.
The Moree screening is proudly supported by McGregor Gourlay, AFF, NSW Farmers and CWA Moree.
“This is a free event, with bookings not necessary – just come along,” Joy said.
“We will start at 6pm with a free refreshment and snacks on arrival, with the film starting at 6.30pm. Afterwards, Leila will talk about the film and answer any questions.”
Just a Farmer also stars Robert Taylor, Joel Jackson, Damien Walshe-Howling, Susan Prior, Trevor Jamieson, Vivian McDougall, Oliver Overton, Louise Siversen, Simon Lyndon, Nathalie Morris, Amanda Maple-Brown, Ahalya G. Maharaj and Clare Patricia Hayes.
The film is a compelling drama and authentically portrays the impact of suicide on a rural Australian family, and sheds light on critical mental health issues in farming communities.
Just a Farmer also celebrates the resilience of farmers’ wives and community support amid heartbreak, all set against a charming rural Victoria backdrop.
The mission behind Just a Farmer is to “use the power of storytelling to illuminate the silent struggles within Australian farming communities, raising awareness of mental health issues and the lack of comprehensive medical support in rural areas, fostering empathy, and drive the conversation around mental health.”
“Through Just A Farmer we aim to inspire collective action, ensuring no farmer faces the darkness alone.”
Just a Farmer screening
When: Friday, April 4
Where: Moree Town and Country Club
Time: 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Cost: FREE (bookings not required)
Afterwards: Q&A with film-maker and star Leila McDougall
Official trailer: Just a Farmer
