MORE than 100 people attended a free screening of award-winning Australian film, Just a Farmer, at Moree Town and Country Club on Friday, April 4.
The gritty film, brought to Moree with the support of McGregor Gourlay, AFF, NSW Farmers’ and CWA Moree, brings home the unique and gruelling challenges Australian farmers face each day.
Leila McDougall, the woman behind the pioneering work, was at the screening to introduce the film and speak about life on the land.
Evening co-ordinator Joy Holmes said the 100-plus attendance far exceeded expectations.
“It was an amazing evening, with people of all ages, which was brilliant. We had to seat a few people in the doorways as the room was completely full. Some people travelled quite a distance to come and watch the film, up to one-and-a-half hours away, and didn’t get home until the early hours of the morning,” Joy said.
“Just A Farmer is an amazing film and portrays such a powerful message about a farming family, a rural family, a young family.
“It is a wonderful, thought-provoking film and answers many questions. As hard as it was for some dealing with personal thoughts and memories, everyone gained a supportive angle.
One man who hadn’t been able to talk about a family member’s suicide was able to open up and talk a little, which was fantastic and so beneficial,” Joy said.
Just A Farmer was last year named 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.
The film also collected 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.
Leila McDougall spoke passionately about her work – and her life on the land.
“Having Leila there was definitely a huge bonus from so many angles. She told a little of her life, and why she decided to make the film,” Joy said.
“Leila is an incredible young person – a mum, farmer, film writer, producer and actor – and so committed to helping and supporting rural families.
“She is an absolute inspiration, and it’s indeed a wonderful film that shares the life of one young family,” she said.
Leila spoke candidly about the film and its origins, and answered queries from the audience.
“A general Q&A session took place, which was fabulous. People seemed very relaxed asking Leila questions from the floor, and her answers were beneficial to everyone,” Joy said.
Afterwards, refreshments and snacks were served.
“Everyone mingled and discussed their thoughts with one another. If they so wished, they could also talk to Leila in private. It was an incredibly moving evening with an important message to convey,” Joy said.
“The Moree Town and Country Club who was so supportive of us screening this film. All the work behind the scenes to make it a success was wonderful – setting up, catering for unknown numbers and bar availability.
“As well as all that, the evening went much longer than anticipated,” Joy smiled.
