MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS - A Local Showcase Of Health Struggles

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK - OCTOBER 18TH, 2025 - This indie short film begins production next weekend, produced by and starring local talent. Entirely self-funded by director/producer Cloey Kinney, the project aims to inspire people to reach out for help. Using concepts from her time at Toronto Film School, Kinney aims to shine a light on just how difficult it is to not only get help, but firstly admit you need it. Despite its budget, this campaign has already grabbed the attention of the public, with an overwhelming amount of volunteers eager to have their stories be heard.

Following the production of the short commercial, a second project full-length feature will follow. This independent campaign was inspired by Kinney's own struggles in the system. After an emergency room visit where she had to sob for them to take her seriously, yet still be dismissed, she's calling for immediate action.

New Brunswick sits at half the national average of psychiatrist to patient ratio. Compared to 13.1/100,000, our province only has 6.6 psychiatrists per 100,000 patients. Despite cutting funding for local doctors or helplines, further resources have yet to be seen. By issuing both commercial and documentary style projects, Kinney hopes that those seeking help feel validated, and that a solution is put in place for the critical lack of providers.