Inside Your headspace: A Film Project – Adelaide Fringe Review

Mercury Cinema, Wed Mar 4 Presented by headspace Noarlunga, Inside Your headspace: A Film Project is a powerful triptych of short films, each focusing on the anxieties and fears faced by Australian youth every day. headspace Noarlunga is a national youth mental health foundation, providing resources for young people whether they are dealing with depression, anxiety, drugs or having a tough time in general. During their introduction of the film’s premiere viewing, the student leaders of headspace Noarlunga emphasized the use of film to engage with the younger generation and as a way for bringing these hard to talk about issues to light. The opening film, Monday, did an excellent job of evoking the stress that students face everyday at school, especially on exam day. Message Sent focused on the prevalent use of social media, and the dangers that can arise from fellow peers as well as the law. The program culminated with the film Zach in which two friends try to navigate their relationship while dealing with bullying and peer pressure. Film was an evocative medium choice that effectively explored these topics: the acting, cinematography and even the use of sound helped to portray the stories in a realistic yet emphatic manner. Powerful and moving, Inside Your headspace addressed these issues with thoughtful and respective care and will make others more aware of the mental health of Australian youth today. Star Rating: 5 Stars Elizabeth Harnett