Local Advocate Premieres Film on Autism and Mental Health

A local advocate has transformed his personal journey with autism into a broader examination of mental health in the Fargo-Moorhead community. John David Berdahl launched a film project centered on his experiences on the autism spectrum, which evolved over three years into an insightful exploration of mental wellness and personal struggles.

Berdahl initially set out to create a short film but soon found himself engaged in deeper conversations. “I started just interviewing individuals in Fargo-Moorhead who would sit down with me, and it became this film about mental wellness, personal stories and hope,” he explained. These discussions extended beyond autism, encompassing themes of anxiety, depression, and other challenges that many individuals face in silence.

Berdahl emphasized the importance of open dialogue surrounding mental health. “People are reticent to talk about certain things, apprehensive about talking about certain things,” he said. “And so for me, this film definitely was a part that was a component, normalizing, humanizing so much of this conversation.”

The film, titled “I’ll Start From Here,” is a 90-minute feature that Berdahl filmed primarily using an iPhone and iPad. It is set to premiere on October 23, 2023, at the Livingston Lord Library on the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus. Two screenings will take place at noon and 14:30 in Room 103, both of which will include open discussions and a silent auction to fund a dedicated website for the film.

Berdahl shared his vision for the film, stating, “It’s not about me starting from here, although I’m in the film. It’s about all of us. It’s the ‘I statement’ with everything that’s happened — ‘I’ll start from here.’ And so going from there, and everybody has those moments.”

Through this project, Berdahl aims not only to share his experiences but also to motivate viewers to initiate conversations about mental health within their own communities. The film serves as a reminder that everyone has their own “I’ll start from here” moment and encourages a collective approach to understanding and addressing mental health issues.

For those interested in attending the premiere, the screenings will provide an opportunity to engage with the film’s themes and contribute to ongoing discussions about mental wellness in the Fargo-Moorhead area.