By Jack Brittle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On May 6, the Art of Gallery of Burlington hosted the premiere screening of Ted Michael’s new documentary The Human Race – Around the Bay.
The event, which was originally scheduled on May 8, had to be moved to May 6 to accommodate a larger than anticipated attendance.
The screening took place in the banquet hall across from the gift shop. Tables were set up at the back of the hall with desserts and coffee, while rows of chairs were set up facing the projector screen at the front.
The film focuses on the famous Around the Bay Road Race, which takes place in Hamilton every year, and participants’ journeys with their mental health.
Michaels has long been an advocate for mental health and the benefits of physical exercise to improve it.
“Could we tie the two things together [mental health and running]?” Michaels said. “We did. This is the end result.”
The premiere took place during Mental Health Week and Michaels encouraged attendees to talk and ask questions to some of the mental health providers present at the event.
After Michaels addressed the crowd, he handed the mic over to Shawna Mutton, the vice president of United Way Halton and Hamilton. Mutton spoke about the meeting where Michaels pitched his idea for the film.
“As he [Michaels] pitched his proposal, I had a blend of excitement and anticipation because Ted’s fervour, as many of you know, for destigmatizing mental health was infectious, and I found myself embracing the opportunity for United Way to work alongside him and our other partners in spreading awareness,” Mutton said.
Mutton spoke about how mental health services should not merely be a luxury for some, but a necessity for all and how the film is more than just a documentary.
“These films are not mere entertainment, they are powerful tools for change,” Mutton said. “They have the potential to break down barriers and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health by sharing real stories and experiences.”
Michaels then introduced Rashaad Vahed, the chief executive officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Halton branch. Vahed spoke about how Michaels contributes to awareness around mental health.
“That’s the beauty of having a person like Ted in this space, he comes into it endlessly creatively, and he’s driven in his need to invite awareness and compassion into the mental health and well-being space,” Vahed said.
After Vahed spoke, Michaels introduced the film, and the screening began.
The film is just over 50 minutes long and features Michaels interviewing several people around Burlington and Hamilton who are either participating in the race or have an inspiring story about mental health.
Three subjects from the film were present at the screening and participated in a Q&A with both the audience and Michaels.
Katie McClelland, the owner and director of De La Sol Yoga Studios; Samantha Mercanti, the executive manager of Mercanti Management Inc.; and Elisa Jagdeo, the niece of Marisa Mariella, who was also featured in the film, participated in the discussion.
Rory Nisan, Ward 3 councillor, was in attendance and was very impressed with the event.
“I think the turnout is even more than he expected, it looks like a sold-out crowd, which means that people really care about the issue, and they care about Ted bringing the issue forward,” Nisan said.
Nelson Borges, the founder of Capillary Wave, a men’s mental health support group in Burlington, was also present and spoke about the way that event allows for more progress to be made in the community.
“Awareness is always the number one thing,” Borges said. “Number two, I think it opens up the communication. So, it allows organizations to finally meet and mingle and then collaborate and come up with different strategies. But the important thing is action, right? I always say, ‘Well done is always better than well said.’”
