# Leila McDougall

Leila McDougall is an Australian filmmaker, writer, and advocate known for her work on the feature film Just A Farmer (2024). The film addresses mental health challenges in rural communities and has been recognized for sparking critical conversations about the well-being of farming families.

## Early life and education

Leila McDougall was raised in Walcha, New South Wales, a rural farming community that influenced her later work in filmmaking and advocacy. She attended the New England Girls School in Armidale and later pursued a Bachelor of Education at Charles Sturt University and a Bachelor of Fashion Design at the Raffles Institute of Commerce and Design.

## Career
### Beginnings in film

McDougall transitioned to filmmaking from a background in education and fashion design. Her rural upbringing and professional experiences shaped her storytelling, particularly in addressing social issues like mental health.

### Breakthrough with Just A Farmer

Leila McDougall’s breakthrough came in 2024 with the release of Just A Farmer, a feature film she wrote, produced, and served as the executive producer. The film provides a heartfelt and unfiltered depiction of the challenges faced by farming families, particularly focusing on the impact of mental health struggles and the ripple effects of loss. Drawing from real-life experiences and extensive research, McDougall crafted a narrative that has not only resonated with farming communities but has also sparked vital conversations about mental health on a global scale.

### Festival success and critical acclaim

Just A Farmer has been celebrated at numerous prestigious film festivals around the world, earning critical acclaim and several awards:
* Saint-Tropez Antipodes Film Festival (Saint-Tropez, France, 2024) – Winner: Audience Choice Award
* The Iris Global Health Film Festival (Boulder, Colorado, USA, 2024) – Winner: Best Narrative Feature
* Buffalo International Film Festival (Buffalo, New York, USA, 2024) – Winner: Best Narrative Feature
* International Film Festival of Australia (Melbourne, Australia, 2024) – Winner: Best Film, Best Cinematography (Gavin John Head), Best Supporting Actress (Susan Prior)
* Additional screenings at the St. Louis International Film Festival and This Is My Brave Australia International Film Festival have further solidified the film's impact.

## Philanthropy and community involvement

In 2014, Leila McDougall co-founded the nonprofit organization Live Rural, which focuses on the health and well-being of farming communities. One of its key initiatives, "Mellow in the Yellow", is an annual event aimed at raising mental health awareness. The event has raised over $60,000 to support rural mental health programs.
McDougall's work in advocacy extends to her involvement in the Young Farmers Advisory Council and her recognition as the Emerging Leader in Agriculture in 2014.

### Filmography

* Just A Farmer (2024) – Writer, producer, executive producer

## Awards and recognition

* Best Narrative Feature at The Iris Global Health Film Festival
* Best Narrative Feature at the Buffalo International Film Festival
* Audience Choice Award at the Saint-Tropez Antipodes Film Festival
* Best Film and Best Cinematography at the International Film Festival of Australia