Luke Galati says that he is well known as a filmmaker for his work on basketball and other sports.
That’s why many might be surprised, he says, by watching his latest documentary on what it’s like to go through a mental health crisis in Toronto.
“It’s like the first time in a story I’ve been vulnerable,” said Galati, 26. that she received a bipolar diagnosis in 2017.
“But I think it’s really important because…if I don’t feel comfortable enough to share my own story, how can I expect others to open up and be vulnerable with me?”
That’s why Galati and three other filmmakers have made short films to dispel stigma, raise awareness and encourage young people struggling with mental health issues to seek support from Stella’s Place, a Toronto charity. The films will premiere June 6 at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto, as part of the Get Reel Mental Health Film Festival. will start with a filmmaker’s workshop this Wednesday in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week.
The stories the films tell should resonate with many young people across the country. According to the Canadian Mental Health CommissionMental illness affects around 1.2 million children and young people, and by the age of 25, about one in five Canadians are affected. Young people who need mental health services when they enter the adult mental health system are often underserved, with fewer than 20 percent receiving adequate treatment, the commission says.
Galati, a documentary media masters student at Metropolitan University of Toronto (formerly Ryerson), says her film When we communicate, who should respond? explore the Toronto Community Crisis Service — a pilot project where nurses and other trained crisis workers respond to mental health calls instead of police officers.
He says the film was not only part of his healing process, but can help him show others that a shift in society’s approach to mental illness is coming.
“I live with bipolar disorder and I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve needed help,” Galati said.
“So hopefully telling a little bit of my story will raise awareness, get people talking about it and drive the conversation.”
Creativity and mental health.
The idea of having filmmakers produce art for, by and with other youth as a way to navigate mental health issues grew out of the isolation many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Donna Green, founder of Stella’s Place.
“We quickly found out this is a goalie,” Green said.
The Get Reel festival initially started last year as a digital pilot project that quickly grew in popularity. This year, the organization says it offered $5,000 grants to each filmmaker and partnered with TIFF Bell Lightbox to screen films. Received more than 30 applications.
Musician and filmmaker Emmanuel Teji was one of the people who got involved. his movie, acid washfollows the journey of an isolated artist on the verge of suicidal ideation who finds support through a local community of skaters, much like Teji himself during the pandemic.
His film is a tribute to those who lost their battles with mental illness in one way or another, and a reminder that we are all going through similar struggles in life.
“Life can be very hard at times, and you can be very close to feeling like giving up, but you may have a blessing waiting just around the corner,” Teji said.
A reminder to move on
Despite the success of the film festival, Green says the organization is still working to address the growing demand for services since the pandemic began.
Stella’s Place says its waiting lists for free counseling services, like those at many mental health organizations during the pandemic, it skyrocketed from a dozen queries a week to 12 or 15 a day.
“I think it can be very challenging for young people to be without their peers in these two years of isolation, whether it’s hanging out and doing things together or dating,” Green said.
She encourages young people to use not only Stella’s Place direct access resources and networks, but also to talk to other organizations and loved ones for support.
Galati hopes that his film will help others to have the courage to do so.
“I think mental health is something we should talk about more in society,” he said.
“I think it’s something that’s only going to get better as we tell more stories like this.”
