by Dov Kornits
With the powerfully affecting documentary The Promise, filmmaker Jye Currie follows up his feature debut Beat with something truly impactful.
Starting with the eye-opening mental health story of broadcaster Craig Hamilton, emerging filmmaker Jye Currie turns his hour-long documentary The Promise into something truly inspirational. Rather than focusing on the traditional triumph of the human spirit – wealth, accolades, victory – Currie instead turns the hero’s journey on its head, with Hamilton finding happiness in family, and savouring a deep breath of gratitude for every new day. It’s this unconventional approach that will surely have the most impact when it comes to demystifying the mental health epidemic taking hold of the Western world.
We spoke with Currie ahead of The Promise’s screening at Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
How did Craig Hamilton and his story come across your radar?
“Craig and I are both from Newcastle, which is how I first became aware of his incredible story and his advocacy for mental health. His journey deeply resonated with me, and I knew his perspective would be invaluable for The Promise. Additionally, Craig mentioned that when he went through his journey, not a lot of people were talking about mental health. This made me look closely at the film industry, and I noticed that there weren’t any films tackling this issue in a meaningful way.”
Did you have to work hard to get him involved?
“Craig was on board from the start. He could see the mission of the film clearly and was passionate about contributing to a project that aimed to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
What about some of the other people featured in the film, such as Jessica Rowe and Paul Harragon?
“Everyone was so happy to be a part of the film. When you express your goals for the film —how we want to save lives and lower the suicide rates — people are generally very willing to contribute. The support we received was overwhelming. Jessica Rowe, Wayne Bennett, Tim Tszyu, Joe Williams and Paul Harragon, and the other notable figures featured in The Promise genuinely believed in the film’s mission. They understood the critical importance of raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Their enthusiasm and commitment were palpable from the beginning. By sharing their own stories and insights, they hoped to contribute to a broader movement that could inspire change and provide hope to those struggling. Their belief in the film’s potential impact was a driving force that brought authenticity and depth to the documentary.”
Why an hour in length? Has the film sold to a broadcaster?
“Yes, the film has been sold to a broadcaster. We will have news on its announcement soon. The hour-long format allows us to deliver a powerful and concise message without losing the audience’s attention, making it suitable for television and streaming platforms. This length ensures that we can present the essential stories and information in a compelling and impactful manner without overwhelming the viewers. Additionally, we have had the privilege of screening the film at the Australian Parliament House, which was a significant milestone for us. This screening marked a pivotal moment in our mission to influence public policy and foster widespread awareness. Moving forward, we are working on playing the film through schools across Australia. This was one of the goals from the start, so we tailored the film with that in mind.”
What’s your personal connection to mental health, something that your feature debut Beat touched on, and now The Promise?
“Nine Australians die every day by suicide. I think everyone has a connection to it somehow, whether they are aware of it or not. I want my films to inspire, provoke thought, and entertain humanity now and forever. This personal mission drives my work and the themes I choose to explore.”
Stylistically, did you have any inspirations?
“In creating The Promise, I wanted the documentary to feel cinematic. I watch a lot of international documentaries that don’t seem to achieve this; even a simple interview setup can lack the visual and emotional depth if filmmakers don’t put enough focus into it. The Promise is very cinematic, with a carefully crafted aesthetic that enhances the storytelling. Our soundtrack further engages audiences, pushing emotions in an artful manner. This documentary is not just an informative piece — it’s a piece of cinema.”
Has the film had an impact already, and what are your hopes for the future, with the film and your journey as a filmmaker?
“The film has already sparked vital conversations and increased awareness about suicide prevention. My hope for the future is that The Promise continues to reach wider audiences, creating a palpable impact and helping to reduce the suicide rates in Australia. As a filmmaker, I aim to keep telling stories that matter, stories that inspire change and leave a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of people worldwide.”
The Promise screens at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival at Cinema Nova on 28 July 2024. Tix here.
