Before I Go is a short film that looks at three generations of one family in country Australia, examining issues surrounding male mental health in rural areas. This is the second film produced by Australian content production company, The Act of Storytelling (TAOS). TAOS was founded by Lauren Bailey and Nick Cain, in 2013 with the aim of investigating storytellers and storytelling, and the impact of art in challenging the human experience.
Executive Producer Lauren Bailey explained that Before I Go was initially inspired by the real experiences of the locals in which the narrative is set, the film examines how we deal with the hardships of life and communicate with those closest to us. The story strikingly addresses stereotyping and fixed gender norms on the mental health of men in regional Australia, including the effect this has on the women and men closest to them.

“The issue of male mental health in rural areas has been a silent killer, and one that is becoming increasingly crucial to discuss. The conversations raised by stories such as this one need to be happening at both a personal and community level with a view to changing the way we all support each other.” Bailey & Cain commented.
Bailey also that that the film was shot in the beautiful surrounds of Cain’s hometown, the twin towns Koondrook/Barham along the Murray River, every step during the creation of the film has been focused both on breaking down gender rigidity and including a diverse range of creatives at all levels, including a cast and crew of 50% female/male roles, behind the scenes as well as in the film narrative itself.
Cain said that Before I Go is currently in post-production, plans for global release of ‘In Competition’ at the Cannes Film Festival in France in 2019. TAOS is currently also working with the local community and organisations to begin igniting conversations and awareness via a local screening late 2019.