Embark on an inspiring journey with Craig Hamilton, a best-selling author who overcame suicidal battles. This story of hope shares a poignant exploration of resilience and transformation in the realm of mental health.

Interview with Director Jye Currie

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The Promise was made to spark vital conversations and provoke thought around the critical issue of mental health and suicide prevention. I wanted to amplify the voices of those who have survived mental illness, like Craig Hamilton, and share their powerful stories. By delving into Craig’s personal journey and including insights from leading researchers, experts, and notable Australian figures, my goal is to create a palpable impact on Australian lives.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

As a member of the audience, you should watch The Promise because it offers a unique and poignant exploration of mental health and suicide prevention. The film provides an intimate look into the personal journey of Craig Hamilton, and other individuals who have faced suicidal challenges and emerged with resilience and hope. By sharing these authentic narratives alongside insights from leading researchers, experts, and notable figures, The Promise offers a comprehensive perspective on an issue that affects so many lives.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

In The Promise, we intricately weave together both personal and universal themes to create a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences on multiple levels. On a personal level, the film delves into Craig Hamilton's intimate journey of confronting and overcoming suicidal challenges. By sharing his raw and authentic experiences, the film offers a glimpse into the complexities of mental illness and the profound impact it has on individual lives. Craig’s personal narrative serves to humanize the issue, allowing viewers to connect on an emotional level and empathize with his struggles and triumphs. Simultaneously, The Promise addresses universal themes that transcend individual experiences, such as resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. Through these broader themes, the film speaks to a wider audience, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of mental health. By highlighting the universal aspects of the human condition, the film fosters a sense of solidarity and understanding among viewers, regardless of their personalbackgrounds or experiences.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The development of The Promise has been an evolving journey, marked by moments of organic storytelling and authenticity. As a documentary, the production evolved dynamically to reflect the real-life experiences and events that unfolded during the making of the film. During the production, there were several pivotal events and moments that naturally unfolded, guiding the direction of the documentary. These real-life occurrences were unexpected yet profoundly impactful, and we felt a responsibility to honor these stories by portraying them with truth and honesty. As the director, I embraced the fluid nature of documentary filmmaking, allowing the narrative to evolve organically. This meant being open to following new leads, adjusting the production to incorporate emerging themes, and ensuring that the final film was a truthful representation of the lived experiences of those involved. This approach not only enriched the storytelling but also reinforced the film’s mission to shed light on the realities of mental health and suicide prevention with genuine empathy and understanding.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback for The Promise has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply impactful. Many viewers have described the film as eye-opening, revealing new insights about mental health and suicide prevention that they hadn't previously understood. Some have even called it life-changing, sharing heartfelt stories of how the film has encouraged them or their loved ones to seek help, ultimately saving lives. The film’s engaging narrative, which unfolds as a journey constantly revealing new information and events, has captivated audiences from start to finish. Additionally, the high-quality production has been widely praised, with many noting that they have never seen a documentary with such exceptional craftsmanship. This feedback highlights the film's success in educating, engaging, and profoundly affecting its viewers.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback for The Promise hasn't surprised me, as I knew we were addressing a vital but difficult topic that hadn't been explored much in Australian cinema. While we hoped the film would resonate, the profound impact and personal stories shared by viewers have reinforced the importance of our work. We recognized the need for a film on suicide prevention in Australia and anticipated the challenges, but believed strongly in the necessity of this conversation. The positive response has validated our efforts and motivates us to continue addressing critical issues with honesty and care.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We aim to significantly increase the film's visibility and reach a wider, more diverse audience. This platform will help us connect with individuals and communities who are passionate about impactful storytelling and social issues, particularly those related to mental health and suicide prevention. Our goal is to spark vital conversations, raise awareness, and inspire action on a global scale. By sharing our film on this platform, we hope to extend its influence, encourage more people to engage with its message, and ultimately, contribute to a broader understanding and support for mental health initiatives.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Press and Media Coverage: Extensive media coverage is crucial for raising awareness and reaching a broader audience. We need journalists and media outlets to share our story and highlight the importance of our film's message.

Film Festivals: More film festival directors can help showcase The Promise at prestigious events, further elevating its visibility and credibility.

Producers: Future producers who are passionate about mental health and suicide prevention can join us in creating more impactful content in this space. Our company, Green Frog Productions, is dedicated to this mission, and we are looking for collaborators who share our vision.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

We hope The Promise has a profound impact and reception, marked by the following outcomes:

Raise Awareness: We want the film to significantly raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, shedding light on these critical issues and breaking down associated stigmas.

Spark Conversations: Our goal is to ignite vital conversations among diverse audiences, encouraging open dialogue about mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help.

Inspire Action: We hope the film inspires individuals, communities, and policymakers to take action, whether through supporting mental health initiatives, advocating for better mental health resources, or simply offering support to those in need.

Educational Resource: We aim for the film to be used as an educational resource in schools, workplaces, and community organizations to facilitate discussions and training on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Emotional Resonance: We want the film to resonate emotionally with viewers, providing a sense of hope and empowerment to those who might be struggling, and fostering empathy and understanding among those who may not have personal experience with these issues.

Critical Acclaim: Positive reception from critics and film festivals can help bolster the film’s visibility and credibility, reaching a wider audience and enhancing its impact.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

"Have you made 'The Promise' with a loved one?"

This question encourages individuals to reflect on their own experiences with mental health challenges and suicide prevention, as well as their relationships with those they care about. It opens the door for discussing the importance of support networks, communication, and making commitments to each other's well-being. Additionally, it prompts conversations about how individuals and communities can come together to provide support and create a culture of openness and empathy surrounding mental health.

Would you like to add anything else?

If I were to add anything, I'd emphasize the significance of fostering open and supportive dialogue around mental health. Encouraging individuals to have meaningful conversations with their loved ones, to actively listen, and to offer support can make a profound difference in someone's life.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm currently immersed in the development of two ambitious projects:

World-First Sporting Documentary in West Africa: I'm working on a groundbreaking sporting documentary set in West Africa. This project aims to shed light on untold stories within the region's sports landscape, amplifying voices and opportunities that have long been marginalized and overlooked. Exploring themes of survival, masculinity, and the essence of life, the documentary promises to offer a unique perspective on sports and culture in West Africa.

Period Drama Set Around the French Revolution: In addition, With the script complete, I am now in the depths of development of a period drama biopic set around the French Revolution. This project transports audiences to a pivotal moment in history, following a unique person who once walked this earth.

Interview: June 2024

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

The Promise

Length: 1:00:00

Director: Jye Currie

Producer: Jye Currie, Craig Hamilton

Writer: Jye Currie

Key cast: Craig Hamilton, Jessica Rowe, Joe Williams, Tim Tszyu, Wayne Bennett, Bailey Seamer, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Justin Bergholtz

Looking for: journalists, film festival directors, producers

Facebook: Green Frog Productions

Instagram: @greenfrogproductions_au

Hashtags used: #ThePromise

Website: Green Frog Productions

Other: IMDb