Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Carnbroe man makes film on mental health
Awareness campaign
A Carnbroe filmmaker is using his work to make an impact on mental health while globetrotting on the other side of the world.
Stewart Hannah filmed and produced a two- minute silent drama entitled Holding the Rain, on the struggle of a man with OCD, during his travels in Brisbane.
The 27- year- old has now submitted his short film to festivals in both the UK and Australia – where he has been living since November – and to the Art With Impact contest for short films focused on mental health.
He told the Advertiser: “I’m interested in topics that make a difference in the world.
“Mental health was hugely important to me and I wanted to create a story with a touch of hope at the end.
“The response has been really moving – I’ve had a huge number of messages on social media from people letting me know how much it resonated with their own personal struggles and how reassuring the ending was.
“Mental illness shouldn’t be as hidden as it seems to be, and we all need to be more open and bring about conversation with family, friends and colleagues, as talking about it is the first step to recovery.”
Holding the Rain, which features English actor Simon Hipkin, was made over two days in February and was entirely filmed and edited on Stewart’s iPhone.
It can be seen at https://youtu. be/M0HOThgWQes, where it has had almost 1300 views.
Stewart’s travels have so far seen him backpack down Australia’s east coast before his two months in Brisbane.
He is currently in South Australia, with future trips planned to Adelaide, Perth, Alice Springs and New Zealand.
He added: “I’m working on a feature-length screenplay that I’m hoping to pitch later this year. I’m fascinated with stories that bring about conversation and touch our emotions.”