Jebediah: Are We OK?

Are We OK? isn’t just a Jebediah song from their album Kosciuszko – it’s a national question. In an era of rising disconnection, burnout, and mental health struggles, this film holds space for the quiet work of care, friendship, and recovery. The film offers both a lifeline and a mirror for those who’ve stood by someone in crisis. It offers public value through an honest portrayal of addiction that avoids sensationalism, instead celebrating endurance, vulnerability, and the kind of loyalty that helps someone find their way home. The story also addresses the often challenging lives of Australian musicians and creatives.

Addiction is one of the most pervasive and complex health challenges in Australia, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities. While often portrayed through sensational headlines, the lived experience of addiction is deeply personal. It can strain even the strongest bonds and leave friends and family unsure how to help. For many, stigma and misunderstanding remain barriers to seeking or offering support. Are We OK? uses the story of much-loved Australian rock band Jebediah to bring these issues into the light, showing how a long-term friendship group navigates one member’s struggle with compassion, honesty, and persistence. By framing the conversation through the lens of music, friendship, and shared history, the film provides an accessible and relatable entry point for audiences who may not have engaged with the topic before. The story underscores the importance of recognising early warning signs, challenging stigma, and standing by those we care for.

Through its candid portrayal of friendship, loyalty, and recovery, Are We Ok? has the potential to reduce stigma around addiction and encourage open, empathetic conversations. By reaching audiences who may not typically engage with this subject – including long-time fans of Jebediah – the film can spark recognition of the early signs of struggle and motivate proactive offers of support. Screenings paired with facilitated discussions and partnerships with mental health and addiction services can increase community awareness of available resources, foster peer-to-peer networks of care, and empower people to approach friends or loved ones in need. Over time, the film’s emotional resonance and broad reach can help normalise help-seeking behaviour, improve understanding of the complexities of addiction, and strengthen the role of friendship as a protective factor in recovery.

We hope Jebediah: Are We OK? encourages audiences to check in on the people they care about, have more open conversations about mental health and addiction, and recognise the importance of friendship and community in navigating life’s challenges. We encourage anyone experiencing difficulties, or supporting someone who is, to seek connection and support without shame or judgement.

For the music industry and arts sector, we hope the film prompts meaningful conversations about the pressures of creative life and the need for stronger mental health and wellbeing support for artists. We invite audiences to reflect on how we can better care for the people behind the music, celebrate vulnerability alongside success, and create more supportive creative communities.

Ultimately, our call to action is simple: check in, listen without judgement, and show up for one another.