Council is pleased to offer five free film screening events of the documentary ‘Happy Sad Man’ in Alexandra, Toolangi and Yea.

Happy Sad Man offers a charming and uplifting insight into the lives of five very different Australian men. It’s a must-see documentary and is set to shine the light on and change the dialogue around masculinity and mental health.

Mental health awareness and self-care is very important and yet it’s often low on our list of priorities. It has been a challenging time for many people in our community, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This special film screening event will support social connection by providing an opportunity for us to come together and talk about mental health. Encourage your father, husband, brother, son, friend or neighbour to come and enjoy the film with you. Please see movie screening timeline at the right-hand side of the page.


About the event

On arrival there will be the opportunity to catch up and chat with friends, Council staff and other community members and enjoy some light refreshments. The film screening will commence and there will be an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with filmmaker Genevieve Bailey, after the credits roll.

Things to consider

  • All film screenings will be free and there will be light refreshments available
  • Registrations are essential. Please fill out the registration form below and we will be in contact if seats are available


Important Information
Under the Victorian Government's COVIDSafe Settings, Council is obliged to limit access to this event to those who can prove they have been double-vaccinated against COVID-19. People with valid medical exceptions issued by an authorised medical practitioner and children aged under 16 are excepted. You will need to show evidence of being fully vaccinated to enter the venue. You will also be required to check-in using the Service Victoria App.


About the movie

Happy Sad Man offers a charming and uplifting insight into the lives of five very different Australian men.

Following her smash hit 'I Am Eleven', Australian filmmaker Genevieve Bailey was inspired to find more diverse and positive portrayals of men exploring their emotional selves. We journey from Bondi Beach to the outback; we laugh and cry alongside a war photographer traversing global conflict zones, we visit a farmer and outreach worker from rural Victoria, a musical nomad and a sensitive dog-loving artist. Each portrait is an intimate and heartwarming look into vulnerability, friendship and compassion.

Happy Sad Man gives unforgettable voice to the complex emotional landscapes we can all traverse. Touching, funny and tender, this must-see documentary is set to shine a light on and change the dialogue around masculinity and mental health today. Exploring hopes, anxieties, joy and darkness the raw vulnerability of these stories will inspire you to hold some of the men in your life that bit closer.

About Genevieve Bailey

Director / Producer

Born in Melbourne Australia, Genevieve Bailey’s films have screened in 50 countries winning over 30 awards to date. With a background in short drama, comedy and music videos, I AM ELEVEN (2011) her ambitious first feature documentary, was shot in 15 countries and in 12 languages.

It received critical acclaim and a theatrical release in Australia spanning over 8 months including a record 26 weeks at Cinema Nova in Melbourne. I AM ELEVEN was named New York Times Critic’s Pick when it opened US cinemas. The film became the highest grossing Australian documentary to be released theatrically in the US – playing extended seasons and reaching over 100 cities.

I AM ELEVEN won Best Documentary of the Year at the IF Awards in Sydney and awards in the US, France, Spain and Brazil.

Bailey’s company Proud Mother Pictures managed national and international distribution and sales.

Genevieve Bailey was named one of Australia’s ‘Top Film and TV of directors of 2012′ in the Encore and Mumbrella Annual. Melbourne Magazine named her one of “Melbourne’s most influential, inspirational, provocative and creative people.”

Genevieve is as passionate about filmmaking as she is about reaching audiences through innovative distribution, active engagement and meaningful outreach.

Her other recent directing credits include THE FUNNY ONES (ABC TV, 2017) and JUDGING THE GATWICK (Premiered St Kilda Film Festival 2019)

HAPPY SAD MAN is her second feature length documentary.