by FilmInk Staff
Australian documentary Mental Health & the Actor’s Life, created and presented by Dr Daniel Widdowson, has received the Mainstream Journalism Award from the Mental Health Organisation of Australia and New Zealand, recognising its contribution to public understanding of mental health within the creative industries.
Rather than pursuing a commercial release, Widdowson made the documentary freely available on YouTube, positioning it as an open access resource for parents, educators, and young people considering a career in acting.
The film explores the psychological realities of the acting profession, including rejection, identity, financial instability, performance pressure, and the emotional toll of an industry that often rewards visibility while neglecting wellbeing. Through candid interviews with actors, casting professionals, and performers across stage, screen, and opera, the documentary resists both glamour and alarmism, choosing clarity over mythmaking.
“This film was never meant to sit behind a paywall,” says Widdowson. “Parents deserve to understand what their children are stepping into, and young actors deserve honesty rather than fantasy. Making it free was an ethical decision, not a marketing one.”
The documentary features contributions from actors and industry professionals including Daria Varlamova, Tom McSweeney, Sarah Monahan, Brad McMurray, Sophie Carter, Todd Keys, and others working across film, television, and live performance.
The Mainstream Journalism Award recognises work that communicates mental health issues responsibly and accessibly to a broad public audience. The Mental Health Organisation of Australia and New Zealand cited the documentary’s balanced approach and its capacity to function as both an educational tool and a cultural intervention.
Mental Health & the Actor’s Life has since been used by schools, drama programs, and community organisations as a discussion resource, particularly for families navigating early entry into the entertainment industry.
The documentary is now available to stream for free on YouTube.
