Leila McDougall took on a massive yet important undertaking, successfully writing, directing and starring in the movie, Just a Farmer.
Based in Tatyoon, Ararat, Victoria, Leila was inspired to film Just a Farmer after her and her husband’s experience working in the mental health space in rural communities over the past decade.
Filmaker Leila and her husband have been volunteering and working in this rural mental wellbeing area for more than 10 years, and have since founded a non-for-profit- organisation that supports mental health in farming communities called Live Rural.
“We noticed that we were often preaching to the converted,” Leila said, “the message wasn’t reaching a broader audience, and there wasn’t enough widespread appreciation for farmers and the incredible work they do.”
“During COVID, like so many others, we were sitting at home watching TV, and it struck us – this is where people were finding human connection and engaging with stories,” she said.
“That’s when we realised the power of film as a way to educate and inspire a wider audience.”
Just a Farmer centres on the aftermath of suicide and how it impacts a farming family and their community in rural Australia. The story explores the grief, challenges, and resilience of those left behind, highlighting how family and community come together to support one another in the wake of such a profound loss.
“It’s a powerful and heartfelt look at the importance of connection, understanding, and care in the face of tragedy,” Leila said.
“Creating Just a Farmer became our way of sharing these important stories, connecting people to the challenges and resilience of farming communities, and helping foster a greater understanding of their vital role in our world.”
The inspiration behind the film’s plot came from stories Leila has heard over the years, experiences she’s had personally and the experiences of friends and family.
“It’s rooted in a deep understanding of the reality of living on a farm and the authenticity of the challenges, resilience, and connections that define farming life.”
“These real-life moments and emotions shaped the heart of the story, making it a genuine reflection of what it means to live and cope in rural Australia,” Leila said.
“I’m a complete newbie to the film industry,” Leila said, “I had zero experience when I decided to make a movie.”
“Honestly, I was probably a bit naive about how much work it would take and everything I’d have to do to create a film,” she said, “but I think if I hadn’t been that naive, I might not have started at all.”
Throughout the process of creating Just a Farmer, Leila experienced many challenges, and coupled with her being new to the film industry, made these challenges even tougher.
From pre-production through to filming and beyond, there were numerous challenges, and Leila said these have helped her grow as a person.
“When you see the final product – a beautifully polished, professional film – you don’t see the massive learning curve behind it,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about people, the industry, and the art of negotiation.”
One such challenge Leila encountered was having 60 people on set for seven weeks.
“It was chaotic at times,” she said, “managing everything from feeding and accommodating everyone to staying organised, but the biggest challenge hasn’t been the filing; it’s been the distribution, marketing, and promotion of the film afterward.”
Distribution has been the biggest hurdle for Leila, as she has been distributing the film herself.
“A lot of people might think filming is the hardest part, but it’s nothing compared to the work involved in getting the film out to a wide audience.”
Leila truly believes that film is an incredible way to educate people.
Her interest in movies began as a little girl who, being dyslexic, was not drawn to books, but instead gravitated towards films.
“They gave me a window into culture, history, love stories, fairy tales, and a chance to use my imagination to live in those worlds and learn.”
“That’s why I chose to tell this story as a movie rather than a documentary,” Leila said. “A lot of people prefer to watch a movie because it doesn’t feel like you’re being preached to or bombarded with facts and figures.”
“Instead, you experience raw emotion and live through the character’s journey,” she said. “To really get a reaction from people, you need to let them feel the story, and film allows audiences to experience what the characters are going through in a deeply emotional way.”
Creating this film has impacted Leila’s life in more positive ways than negative.
She had to make a lot of sacrifices, and work around the clock, there’s no such thing as work-life balance when you’re making a film or pursuing something you’re truly passionate about, she stated.
“I haven’t had a proper break in three years; it’s just been non-stop,” she said.
There have been times where Leila felt exhausted and questioned why she was doing this, but then, she will receive a beautiful email from someone saying the film saved their life, or changed the way they see suicide and farming, and it reminds her exactly why she made this film.
“Playing the role of Alison was emotionally intense and took a toll on me,” Leila said. “I truly lived as that character, and in those moments, my subconscious didn’t distinguish between reality and fiction.”
Leila described it as feeling like she had lost a husband to suicide, which is one of her greatest fears.
“My biggest concern was doing justice to the women I represented in Alison’s character,” she said. “I gave everything I had to the role because I didn’t want to let them down.”
“I hope my portrayal is an accurate and heartfelt reflection of what it could be like to lose a husband and a lot of strength these women show in such unimaginable circumstances.”
Leila stated the reaction and reception they have received from audiences have been overwhelmingly positive, saying that honestly, she wasn’t expecting so many people to connect with the film as much as they do.
Leila conducted a survey with 300 people who have watched the film, and the feedback has been incredible.
“People have shared how it’s impacted them – some realised they needed help after watching it and actually sought help, while others said it’s changed the way they view suicide and mental health.”
“It’s encouraged them to see that talking is okay and reminded them of the importance of coming together as communities to support one another.”
Leila has hosted community screenings of the film, which have been hugely effective, with every screening drawing between 150 to 300 people in attendance, which is pretty remarkable for a mental health event, she stated.
“These topics are usually something people shy away from,” she said. “But with the film, people can sit in the dark, watch, listen, and go on a journey together.”
“The conversations that happen afterward have been absolutely amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it – the way people open up, how positive and healing these discussions can be.”
“It’s truly something special,” she said.
“We’re slowly getting there, sharing the film’s message, and we hope to keep building momentum so as many people as possible can see Just a Farmer.”
