For an Australian sports broadcaster, there’s no bigger honour than calling the Sydney Olympics. ABC broadcaster, Craig Hamilton was on the eve of living that dream when he was surrounded by police at a Newcastle train station. He was deep in psychosis, brought on by undiagnosed bi-polar disorder.
Instead of going to the Olympics, the ABC Sports broadcaster and now bestselling author, Craig Hamilton, went to a mental health facility. But that’s the beginning of Craig’s story, not the end.
Craig knows only too well that “there is always a way back”. In this documentary, The Promise, Craig Hamilton partners with the award-winning, Green Frog Productions, to tell his story alongside some of the nation’s sporting greats and prominent mental health experts.
“My mission is simple,” says Craig, “I won’t stop until mental illness is as easy to talk about as the common cold.”
The documentary is an adaptation of Craig’s best-selling book, Broken Open, and will feature interviews with Rugby League Premiership winning captain Paul “The Chief” Harragon, legendary coach Wayne Bennett as well as former South Sydney Rabbitohs halfback Joe Williams, who has also experienced mental illness.
Craig has teamed up with renowned film director, Jye Currie from Green Frog Productions, to create the documentary that will begin production in April and is set to be released in late 2023.
Green Frog Productions prides itself on producing challenging films that tackle social justice issueshead on.
The Promise will explore the underlying causes and factors that contribute to suicide in Australia. The filmmakers have a few goals for this documentary:
● Reduce the stigma around mental health, especially for men.
● Raise awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention across Australia.
● Provide practical solutions and resources for those who may be struggling.
“I am proud to partner with Craig Hamilton on this important project. Suicide is a serious issue that affects many Australians, and we hope that this film will help to shed light on the issue and provide hope and support to those who need it,” says film director Jye Currie.
“This documentary is more than a film, it’s a mission. I believe that this project has the power to make a real difference in the lives of Australians,” says Craig Hamilton.
Get a sneak peek at what The Promise will offer through a snapshot with One Conversation.
