Sydney, Australia — In response to the rapidly growing mental health challenges among South Asian youth in Australia, Sydney-based media and production house Mauri-E has announced a new cultural initiative titled “Mind Matters: Cinema for Change.” This campaign aims to break the silence around mental health by using the therapeutic power of storytelling and cinema.
Running from June 20 to September 11, 2025, this multi-phase campaign seeks to create open conversations on mental health—an often unspoken topic within immigrant communities. It is particularly focused on Nepali international students and youth, who frequently struggle with issues related to identity, familial expectations, and isolation.
“Mental health should not remain confined to whispers. It needs expression, empathy, and visibility. That’s why we chose film as our medium,” said Saroj Bisma Basnet, Founder CEO and Creative Director of Mauri-E.
The campaign will feature original short films, a documentary titled “Between Two Worlds: The Invisible Pressure of Expectations,” interactive panel discussions, digital media content, and community-based programs. All events will be created for and in collaboration with youth. At the heart of Mind Matters is the goal to amplify, listen to, and understand the voices of young people.
The campaign’s first major event, a soft launch titled “CineCause,” will be held on June 20, 2025, at Maya Lounge, Sydney. Maya Lounge has not only provided the venue but has also strongly supported the vision behind this campaign.
“We are incredibly grateful to Maya Lounge. Their warm support and hospitality have paved the way to turn this vision into reality,” said Arpan Keshar Khanal, Co-founder COO and Project Lead.
The launch event will premiere a short film titled TEJ-US, which focuses on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)—a rarely discussed mental health condition. The evening will also include keynote speeches, a showcase of the campaign’s programs, and the release of official merchandise.
Designed around community participation, the campaign is also expected to expand to Nepal, where it will collaborate with local schools, colleges, media, and cultural organizations to raise awareness about the deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental health.
“We want young people across borders to feel seen, heard, and supported,” said Shail Dahal, CEO of Blueprint Migration and Executive Supporter of the campaign.
Through this initiative, Mauri-E aims not just to break the silence around mental health but also to foster empathy, drive cultural transformation, and build bridges across generations and geographies.