New partnership with Cinespace Inc. to deliver culturally and linguistically diverse screenwriters workshop

Everymind is partnering with Cinespace Inc. to deliver a Mindframe workshop for screenwriters from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The workshop will take place on Thursday 17 May at The Dream Factory, Melbourne. It will explore the challenges and opportunities of portraying mental illness and suicide on screen, including reducing stigma and promoting self-care.

The workshop aligns with a new program of work by Cinespace Inc. to develop new screenwriters from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Elise West, from Cinespace Inc. says they want their writers to have tools and information to write well and accurately, and to stay safe throughout the creative process.

“Cinespace works with new screenwriters from culturally diverse communities. Some of our writers are dealing directly with mental illness in their scripts, and many are exploring difficult issues of race, identity, exclusion, and displacement,” said Elise.

Everymind senior project officer, Elena Terol, is also pleased with the opportunity to deliver the workshop and recognises the important role screenwriters play in influencing social attitudes towards, and perceptions of, suicide and mental illness.

“Being treated unfairly because of who we are or what we look like has a negative effect on our mental health," said Elena.

According to research, 1 in 7 Australians reported experiencing discrimination because of their culture or ethnicity, which can cause psychological distress, anxiety and depression.

"Scripts can help dispel stereotypes and myths. However, some ways of portraying mental illness and suicide can be harmful to vulnerable audiences,” added Elena.

Everymind manages the Mindframe for stage and screen program, which supports the Australian film, television and theatre industry to help inform truthful and authentic portrayals of suicide and mental illness. The program aims to empower writers to develop scripts that are well-informed and original, to reduce the risks and impact on vulnerable audience members.

For resources and information about portrayals of suicide and mental illness in Australia film, television and theatre, see the Mindframe stage and screen webpage.

This event is currently sold out. For information, go to: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mindframe-truthful-portrayals-of-mental-illness-on-screen-and-stage-tickets-45283311604