Mental health advocate Craig Hamilton's groundbreaking documentary The Promise will have a special screening at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba on Friday 10 November.
The documentary is an exploration of resilience and triumph, shedding light on mental health and suicide awareness.
Audience members will have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with Hamilton, a Newcastle-based former ABC radio sports presenter who has become equally well-known for his frontline role promoting mental health initiatives.
Hamilton had been on the verge of achieving his dream of covering the Sydney Olympics in 2000 when an unexpected turn of events at a Newcastle train station resulted in him being admitted to hospital and revealed his deep-seated struggles with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Over the past 20 years, Hamilton has shared his experiences widely, through speaking engagements, in print and now on the big screen, in a bid to normalise conversations around mental illness. He aims to make mental health as easy to discuss as common colds.
The Promise is currently being shown on a limited-venues Q&A tour ahead if its wider release next year. Lake Macquarie City Council is presenting the Warners Bay screening in association with Hamilton and the film's producer, Green Frog Productions.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Council was pleased to be able to provide the local community with an opportunity to see the documentary as part of its advance screening tour.
"Craig has been a wonderful advocate for mental health awareness, in this region and across the country, with a down-to-earth and honest approach that resonates with people from all walks of life," she said.
"As a signatory to the National Communications Charter on mental health and suicide prevention, Council is committed to encouraging supportive conversations that promote understanding and wellbeing."
As well as drawing from Hamilton's lived experience, The Promise includes personal insights from a range of prominent people including television personality Jessica Rowe, mental health advocates Joe Williams and Bailey Seamer, world champion boxer Tim Tszyu, rugby league coach Wayne Bennett and Lake Mac league legend Paul 'The Chief' Harragon.
The Promise will screen at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba at 7pm on Friday 10 November, with a Q&A session with Hamilton and director Jye Currie to follow. Tickets are $25 plus booking fee and are available from Eventbrite
