ABOUT

SHORT SYNOPSIS 

When filmmaker Jason King lost his 18-year-old daughter, Jordan, to suicide in 2023, his world shattered. Searching for answers, he embarks on a deeply personal healing journey across the Australian outback, retracing Jordan’s life, confronting the struggles that led to her death, and exploring the power of kindness, connection, and presence in a world that too often pulls us apart. Blending raw personal storytelling, archival footage, and expert insights, Jordan Liberty isn’t just a film about grief, it’s about finding light in the darkness. It tackles urgent conversations around youth mental health, generational trauma, regional isolation, and social disconnection, while offering a hopeful path forward.

ISSUES ADDRESSED 

Jordan Liberty is the film Jason wishes he could have watched with Jordan while she was still alive. Seen through a father’s lens, it brings a fresh and intimate perspective to Australia’s youth suicide crisis, highlighting the mental health challenges young people face, particularly in rural and remote communities. The documentary explores the impact of social media, teenage anxiety, depression, bullying, and the emotional weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also investigates systemic failures in mental health services, family law, and co-parenting, exposing how parental alienation can fracture vital relationships. Through deeply personal reflections and expert commentary, the film shines a light on generational trauma, advocating for healing and early intervention.

WHY THIS FILM? 

We’ve all seen mental health documentaries, but rarely from the inside like this one. Jordan Liberty is a raw, unfiltered account of grief, healing, and outback life, told by a father living the story in real time. Inspired by films such as Evelyn, For Sama, and Dear Zachary, this documentary combines intimate personal narrative with broader social insight. It does not just recount what happened, it asks why, and how we can do better. It is a call for compassion, awareness, and action.

WHY NOW? 

Suicide takes the life of more than one young Australian under 24 every day, with regional communities carrying a disproportionate burden. Despite being more digitally connected than ever, young people are increasingly isolated. Girls, in particular, face rising pressure from social media and cultural expectations. Jordan Liberty aims to help parents and young people have better conversations about mental health before it’s too late. Jason’s goal is to contribute to the national conversation and support meaningful change. The project is also developing resources for schools and working with key organisations to turn awareness into action.

MEET THE FILMMAKER 

G’day, my name is Jason. In March 2023, my beautiful daughter Jordan took her own life in the burned-out flats down the road, aged 18. By turning the camera on myself, I hope to give Jordan a voice and speak to children, parents, educators, and anyone who has struggled with mental health or grief. I’m taking a road trip to Alice Springs, where Jordan was born but never returned, to scatter her ashes with both sides of her estranged family. Along the way, I’ll unpack the circumstances around her death, confront generational trauma, and navigate a new divorce while learning what healthy co-parenting might look like. This film is a way to honour her, heal, and maybe help others find their way through the darkness too.

IMPACT & PARTNERSHIPS 

We are in initial discussions with The Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) and a key goal is to bring screenings and safe, informed discussions to remote communities. We are also collaborating with Quadrant Media Education to scope the relevant school-based mental health materials. It’s early days, and we are currently seeking a range of impact partners to help this story reach as wide an audience as possible. With their support, and yours, Jordan Liberty can reach those who need it most.

NEXT STEPS 

Jordan Liberty is currently in development and has been approved by Documentary Australia. We are seeking further development funding so we can shoot essential footage to prepare a proof of concept to help raise additional funding, as well as feedback from the community. With the right support, we aim to complete the film and begin impact screenings in 2026.