Killing Myself Laughing

Director’s Statement

“Although the rise in awareness of mental health issues has greatly improved in recent years, we rarely hear stories from the older generation struggling with the illness.

At the sunset of her life, Margaret is keen to share her bittersweet story, and the insights she gleaned from her ongoing journey with severe depression in the hope that someone might just grasp a glimmer of inspiration.

As a filmmaker, I was humbled and grateful to work with Margaret to fulfil her wish.”

Film Synopsis

Margaret is in her 70’s. She has a contagious laugh and a big heart. So, it would be hard to tell that she has suffered from severe depression most of her adult life, an illness that has seen her trapped within the four walls of her house for years at a time and led to her being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Margaret has taken extreme measures to free herself from her demons, but it was when she reached out to the famous clown doctor Patch Adams in San Francisco that she went on an extraordinary journey and discovered a chink of light in the dark caves of her 'mental hell'.

“Your film, Killing Myself Laughing, is beautiful and went straight to the heart.”

Ruby Wax
Actor, comedian, writer, and mental health campaigner.

“Congratulations, your film, "Killing Myself Laughing" has been judged as the winner of our "Mental Health Hero Award" at CIMHFF 2022.

Your portrayal of Margaret's mental health journey was honest, raw and inspirational and a positive guide for those also going through their own mental health journey in their older years.

Margaret is truly an inspiration and a mental health hero.

Thank you for your film and we hope it makes it's way to larger audiences and helps to change their minds on how they view mental illness.”

This Is My Brave Canberra International Mental Health Film Festival 2022