Yellow takes gold at Peninsula Film Festival

hello • 25 March 2021

 Founded in 2011 by R U OK? Ambassador Steve Bastoni, the annual Peninsula Film Festival calls on creatives across the country to make and share movies with impact. ‘Yellow’ shines a light on the role connection, finding our place and having a support network can play in positive mental health.

 

We went behind the scenes and had a chat with the creative Flynt Robbins about his reason for creating ‘Yellow’ and his personal mental health journey.

 

What message were you hoping to send with this short film?

I was hoping to create something that would have helped me in my darkest times. ‘Yellow’ was something that I first conceived during Year 10 and has grown in my mind since then. The beauty of the idea is that it is so broad and can be applied to a number of topics (mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, etc). 

 

For myself, the message is about the journey and one’s opportunities. In my own personal opinion, and based on my experience, I’ve found that no situation is permanent and the opportunity to belong is open to everyone. 

 

All people have their own ‘balloon’ to share, and the truth is sometimes it is undesirable; that is to say, in reference to my film, sometimes it’s yellow. My balloon is a tragedy, however, I found my town of people who share a similar experience. No matter the colour of my balloon, I’ll always know that it’s not a unique obstacle, and that my hardships can welcome friendships and positive growth. This, of course comes with time - but what I want people to know is that chasing and embracing their balloon is a step in the right direction.


You created this during the COVID-19 pandemic, why do you think it’s so important that we all stay connected now and into the future?

Connection, to self and others, is the cornerstone of human health and during the lockdown it was often difficult to maintain either. 

 

It’s my own belief that the younger generation’s constant connection through social media and the internet is both a blessing and harmful thing. It definitely creates opportunities for more candid conversations about mental health, yet with the modern, 24/7 influx of disastrous news – it can also lure us to take on the world’s problems. 

 

Going forward we need to further explore the potential positive impact  of online connection, and finding the right balance . It’s quite easy to feel lost in such a complex time and sometimes all we need is a sense of connection to keep us grounded. 

 

I have always believed that we are all each other’s best assets and COVID helped to illuminate this.


Why do you think asking R U OK? and supporting our friends is important?

R U OK? is such a simple question but it can mean so much. It’s direct and gives people an unmistakable chance to let things out, and finally breathe. We all have struggles in everyday life, some are bigger than others, but this doesn’t change the fact that we can all use support from time to time. The stigma around mental illness is still very real and the normalisation of compassionate practices and vulnerability can only help. Asking R U OK? can mean the first step to recovery or that vital step back from the ledge. Either way, it’s importance could never be overstated.


What advice would you give to other young filmmakers?

You have to be yourself. Produce your pieces for yourself, and likeminded people will follow. Create the moments that will make you stand up in your seat or cry your eyes out. Truth and beauty are individual and unique. 

 

It took me roughly six months to finish ‘Yellow’ and I made many mistakes in the process, but you shouldn’t be afraid of this as it’s the only way you’ll learn. Take the risks that stand out to you and construct the messages you want to see in the world.

 

Congratulations Flynt on a well-deserved award! Your message will resonate with so many and hopefully start more R U OK? conversations.

 

Do you have an R U OK? message you want to share?

 

We love to hear from our community about conversations that change lives. Whether it is written, drawn, painted, photographed, filmed or another creative expression, we welcome you sharing your story with us: https://www.ruok.org.au/your-stories


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