Woven Threads: Stories from Afar
Individual Change Impact Snapshot
ISSUE AREA: Health & Wellbeing, Youth & Education
From a Vietnamese teenage refugee recalling their treacherous journey to the United States, to Australian media personality Osher Günsberg sharing his journey managing OCD, anxiety and PTSD, the Woven Threads documentary series shines a light on the threads that bind us all as people and how we are more alike than we are different.
The powerful Woven Threads animated series which narrates the plight of refugees (Stories from Afar, 2018), and human experiences of mental illness (Stories from Within, 2021), has proven the effectiveness of documentary film in creatively addressing key social issues.
Created and directed by Michi Maroszek, produced by Paul Sullivan and backed by the Black Dog Institute, this 8 x 5 minute series, aired on SBS and was nominated for a 2021 AACTA Award in the category of ‘Best Short Form Entertainment’.
It explores stories of teen depression, domestic violence, eating disorders and men’s anxiety. Black Dog Institute research confirms that the unique animated storytelling methodology directly motivates audiences affected by the issues highlighted through the films to take their first positive steps towards change. The format has effectively cut through as a communications vehicle, supporting information translation and activating empathy and shifts in attitude. Watch a Vivid panel discussion of the research or read more here.
“Woven Threads is focused on telling stories about our shared humanity. These stories focus on people and their courage, resilience, gratitude, compassion and hope. People and their lived experiences are central to the stories; empathy is a key consideration as it represents the key to understanding. Understanding, in turn, is the key to social change.”
“The films challenged public misconceptions about refugees and individuals with mental health challenges and left them with a feeling of hopefulness … The use of short animated film as a knowledge translation strategy can enhance our understanding, promote deep reflection, increase empathy and has the potential to lead to social change.”
