About this Short Film
Rise With The Tide, by James Chan (Australia, 2025), explores adult experiences of anxiety and depression with a strong musical thread. The short film offers close, human insight into mental health and individuality, balancing quiet reflection with an emotional core. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, it contributes to our celebration of the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. The work is measured and intimate, prompting thought rather than tidy answers. It is a thoughtful piece for audiences interested in mental health, creative expression and the ways music can map inner life.
Film Details
Film Transcript
The sea whispers soft beneath the grey sky, roll like the pain I can't deny. Salt on my skin, but it feels like tears. A young man drowning in his own fears. But the tide keeps rising, pulling me along. Even in darkness, it hums a steady song. I'll dive through the currents. Let the storm subside. Maybe I can rise with the tide.
[Music]
The sky is a canvas painted in blue. The clouds drift on; they've got nothing to prove. I watch a seagull soaring so free, wishing for wings to carry me. But the tide keeps rising, pulling me along. Even in darkness, it hums a steady song. I'll dive through the currents. Let the storm subside. Maybe I can rise with the tide.
[Music]
The dolphin leaps, breaking through the foam, shows me there's beauty even far from home. The coral below glows like a spark, guiding me out of this endless dark. The tide keeps rising, pulling me along. Even in darkness, it hums a steady song. I'll dive through the currents. Let the storm subside. Maybe I can rise with—
[Music]
You hear those words and you might think it's just a song. But for a lot of us, it's every morning. Here on the edge of the world, the sea feels heavy like the thoughts I carry. Depression isn't rare. Nearly one in five Australians will experience it at some point. That's millions of us—mates, family, maybe even you. Last year, over three million Australians reported living with anxiety or depression. That's more than the whole city of Brisbane three times over. When you're in it, though, it feels like you're the only one, like you're drowning and everyone else is breathing easy. But the tide keeps rising. Even on the worst days, something pulls you forward: a song, a friend, even a stranger's kindness. For me, it was telling someone I wasn't okay. My mate, my mum, my GP didn't fix everything, but it started something. One in eight Aussie men will face depression at some point in their life. But we don't have to face it alone. There's help—Beyond Blue, Lifeline, friends, professionals. Sometimes just making it through the day is enough. There's beauty even when you can't see it. Sometimes it's a dolphin leaping. Sometimes it's just the fact you made it out of bed. If you're struggling, you're not alone. You're not broken. You can rise. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but the tide will lift you if you let it. Let's rise together.
[Music]
Filmmaker
James Chan is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from James Chan.
Well done James. Men are notorious for not sharing their feelings with others or asking for help. It is somehow seen as a sign of weakness but it is not. If youre down you dont have to go through it alone. Keep up the great work.
Congratulations James. Well done on highlighting an important message. Particularly liked the song.
Keep creating James. Keep encouraging others. I look forward to seeing your entry next year.
Hi James well done beautiful short film. Good luck
Very nice song and a great message. Reminds us to be available for people in need and help whoever may be experiencing difficult times. Well done thank you.
Brilliant short film the message is loud and clear. Hope this message can reach out to more people who need to hear it. Well done James
Hi James What a beautiful song I loved the lyrics and the memorable melody. The photograph is stunning which is a thoughtful background to what you are trying to say. Congratulations. Maree
A beautifully produced short clip and a beautifully written song all for a good cause. Good luck James
A beautiful natural film with a timely message on men's health
Great message and reminder about a condition so many deal with on a daily basis
Great film - beautifully made and an important message. Well done.
A very inspiring short movie to awaken our awareness on men's depression.
I love the vedio and the words. However you could have added something about faith.
We have been overlooking people suffering from depression. This short video brings our attention to this problem where we can learn to lend our support to people around us.
The message and the visual complement each other beautifully. Well done and thank you for this production.
Well done James - an important message
Very relatable. Depression can feel like a tide pulling you down but keep swimming and rise with the tide
Great cinematography l song and message
Good audiovisual. Travelling around the world there are many people who have less opportunities than the Australians. Yet depression is even prevalent there too. Human interaction is lacking in the economically advanced egotistical society. Be open and share your feelings and thoughts. At the end noone is better than anyone else.