General News
31 October, 2024
Award-winning movie's message reaches the global farming community
Just a Farmer, wins Buffalo International Film Festival New York.
In less than 12 months since opening night, Just a Farmer has been recognised worldwide, including winning Best Narrative Feature Global at the Buffalo International Film Festival in New York.
Just a Farmer is the brainchild of Tatyoon's Leila MacDougall, wife, mother, farmer, and filmmaker. Someone who has the unique ability to turn an idea into a reality.
"This is such a huge honour, and we are incredibly grateful for this recognition. It's a testament to the hard work, passion, and belief everyone involved has poured into this project," Ms MacDougall said.
This award follows the recent Septimius Awards in Amsterdam. Ms MacDougall won Best Leading Actress. The movie was nominated for Best Movie.
Filmed in Tatyoon, the movie highlights the mental health of the farming community and is reaching audiences worldwide.
As a first-time scriptwriter, actress, and producer with her husband Sean, the movie highlights challenges the farming community faces that are often left untold - mental health and suicide.
In less than 12 months since opening night, Just a Farmer has been recognised worldwide, including winning Best Narrative Feature Global at the Buffalo International Film Festival in New York.
Just a Farmer has also been nominated for an incredible eight categories at the International Film Festival of Australia, announced on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The eight categories include:
Best International Film Producers by Leila Sweeny MacDougall and Sean McDougall,
Best Director International - Simon Lyndon,
Best Cinematography International
Best Screenplay writer,
Best Actor International -Robert Taylor,
Best Actress International - Leila Sweeny MacDougall,
AdvertisementBest Supporting Actor International - Damian Walshe-Howling and
Best Supporting Actress International - Susan Prior,
The movie won the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 Saint-Tropez Festival Des Antipodes in France and the Official Selection at the 2024 Iris Global Health Film Festival!
"Next week is the Australian and the St Louis Awards announcements, and we are up against big movies, so we are looking forward to these results," Ms MacDougall said.
"People around the world tell me they love the authenticity of Just a Farmer. They love the scenery and the realness of it being filmed on our farm and that it is not glamourized.
"We now have it in the USA and are working on getting onto Amazon in the UK. It appeals to the global farming community.
"After a recent screening in Australia, a minister of religion called me to say he had four people reached out to him for support."
Suicide in farmers is 94 percent higher compared to non-farmers, and that shows it is at crisis level.
Up to 76 percent of farmers feel their crucial role in our society is undervalued, and nearly half have faced dark thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
"Statistics around suicide in farmers is alarming," Ms MacDougall said.
Sadly 17% of those struggling do not seek or want help, often due to stigma or lack of resources.
"I wanted to find a way to show this message rather than tell," she said.
"This incredible opportunity allows us to bring our story of resilience, community, and mental health to a global audience, shedding light on the struggles and strength of farmers everywhere.
"From the very beginning, this film has been about more than just a story - it's a movement to spark conversation, raise awareness, and foster connection."