Dear Izaak

"Dear Izaak", a locally produced film led by young filmmaker Eliza Knaggs, explores themes of grief, identity, and young men’s mental health.

This project amplifies youth storytelling, promotes understanding of LGBTQIA+ experiences, and contributes to community awareness and connection through authentic creative expression. 20 young people worked on this film, with 13 of them being 25 and under. ‘Dear Izaak’ was shot on the Mornington Peninsula, including Rye Ocean Beach and McCrae foreshore. 

Film synopsis

Dear Izaak follows a young man, who struggles to navigate his own grief and emotions after losing his best friend to suicide.

Director's statement

The film aims to provide a voice for those who may not yet feel strong enough to use their own. I witnessed, both within my own community and beyond, how many young people struggle to speak up or ask for help. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people, particularly men, with rigid ideas of ‘masculinity’ and notions of ‘weakness’ often contributing to their struggle.
Dear Izaak seeks to portray not only the internal battles young men face and the pressure surrounding the act of asking for help, but also the aftermath of suicide - the enduring grief, confusion, and turmoil left behind.

Every film is personal, and although this film is a work of fiction, it is shaped by my own struggle with identity growing up. Surrounded by societal standards of ‘normality’, I understand that struggling with mental health and identity can be difficult, and how much harder it is when you feel unable to tell anyone.

As a queer writer and filmmaker, it was important for me to create a story that not only represents men’s mental health, but to specifically acknowledge the experiences of queer young men. Representation in this space is limited, and I wanted Dear Izaak to contribute authentically to that conversation.

When I pitched the project to the Arts and Culture team at the Mornington Peninsula Shire, their support was immediate. Alongside VicHealth, they provided generous funding to bring the film to life. I was also fortunate to collaborate with a range of talented emerging filmmakers - many are friends I’ve met throughout my Bachelor of Film & Television at Deakin University. Without my incredible cast, crew, and the support of the Mornington Peninsula Shire and VicHealth, this film could not have reached its full potential.