Development and evaluation of a pilot fifilmmaking project for rural youth with a serious mental illness

Abstract

Six young people from the Grampians region of Victoria who had serious mental illnesses took part in a creative arts project that taught them filmmaking skills and techniques over a five-week period. The project was evaluated using a mixed-method approach. Statistically significant improvements were found in quality of life and social connectedness, post-program. Interviews revealed that participants benefited through increased social connections, increased motivation and confidence, increased insight and community awareness, and the development of new skills. This project indicates the potential for filmmaking to engage rural youth with serious mental illnesses in an activity that has a ran..