Article by: Lavender Ibrahim, Contributing Writer
Students often find ways to express their creativity, but some use their talents to bring attention to issues that affect people and communities around them. Jesse Starling, a student here at the University of South Alabama, has taken that idea a step further by creating the feature film titled “Unsteady.” This project explores mental health and addiction in young adults and encourages the audience to engage in conversations about these important issues.
The process of creating a feature film requires creativity, dedication, and perseverance. For Starling, “Unsteady” represents more than a creative project; it was a challenge. The film provides an opportunity to bring greater awareness to mental health and addiction while using storytelling as a way to connect with audiences, although Starling and producers had a very strict timeframe to work with. The challenge was to film, edit, and produce this feature within five months before his following semester of school began in the fall. Starling spent April working on preproduction, and filming began the following month. He and his team spent May and June filming, and he spent most of July editing or refilming what was needed. The film was produced by August and had two showings at the Crescent Theatre on Aug. 23 and 24, with an equally successful final showing on Oct. 4.
Through the film, Jesse Starling explores real-world issues that can affect individuals, families, and communities. Mental health and addiction are complex subjects that are often accompanied by misunderstanding, stigma, and silence. By bringing these topics to the screen, Starling hopes to encourage viewers to think more deeply about the experiences of people who may be struggling and the importance of compassion, understanding, and support. Films can provide audiences with opportunities to see difficult subjects from different perspectives. Rather than simply presenting information, storytelling can help viewers connect emotionally with characters and situations. Starling came to this conclusion through his time working at the Drug Education Council in Mobile.
In “Unsteady,” Jesse Starling uses filmmaking to create a space where hardship can be discussed openly. The project highlights the importance of recognizing these issues and understanding that individuals experiencing mental health challenges or addiction may need support rather than judgment. Mental health awareness is particularly important because it affects people of all ages and backgrounds, as seen in “Unsteady.” Increasing awareness can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek support when they need it rather than withdrawing. Similarly, understanding addiction as a complex issue can help communities approach those affected with greater empathy and awareness.
What makes Starling’s project especially meaningful is the purpose behind the film. While creating a feature film is an accomplishment on its own, “Unsteady” also demonstrates how students can use their interests and talents to address issues that matter to them. The project reflects his commitment to filmmaking while also demonstrating an interest in making a positive contribution through creative expression. By choosing mental health and addiction as the central theme, he has created a project that has the potential to encourage discussions that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Ultimately, Jesse Starling’s feature film represents more than a finished production. It represents a student’s willingness to use creativity to address difficult subjects and contribute to an important conversation, one that reminds audiences of the value of awareness, compassion, and support.
