Film for thought: Festival shows how medium can help

Free event designed to inspire youth suffering mental health issues to find their voice.

MEDIUM FOR MUSING: Gay Hutchinson, Chris Burt and Colleen Wilson said the festival will open up mental health conversations. Picture: Tessa Flemming

IT'S not always easy for youth to say what they're really feeling but a film festival hitting Warwick is hoping to open up the conversation.

Seeing a 10 per cent increase in the number of youths with mental health issues coming to him, Warwick Headspace community engagement officer Simon Goddard said he hoped the regional short film festival, Next Wave, would encourage kids to speak out, in a way they felt comfortable with.

Mr Goddard said most dealt with anxiety from recent events like the Granite Belt bushfires and the drought.

"We've seen kids are really keen to do drama but thought 'We can't get up in front of a massive group',” he said.

"Standing in front of a camera is a lot easier to cope with. Instead of 100 people there's a couple.

"Film as a medium seems much more able to help them cope with anxiety.”

While a Southern Downs voice won't be on display this year in the 16 films selected, the showings were a way to invite kids to consider entering next year.

"We don't have access to these sorts of initiatives,” Mr Goddard said.

"It's mostly for large cities, and traditionally we're very closed in regional and rural towns.

"This is a way to bring something contemporary to Warwick, we hope.”

The film festival will be held at the Warwick Town Hall and Stanthorpe Civic Centre on October 9, from 6pm.

The event is free for all ages, but bookings are essential and can be made through the Headspace Warwick Facebook page or by contacting the organisation on 07 4661 1999.