YOUNG WREXHAM-BASED ACTOR SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON TEENAGE MENTAL HEALTH WITH FILM ROLE

A budding young actor and musical theatre performer from Wrexham has featured in a critically acclaimed short film which focuses on the growing issues around teenage mental health.

14-year-old Marisa Becker was cast in the short film entitled "I am Enough". Produced by Camera Ready Events in conjunction with LnD Productions and WildRaff Productions,  the film was shot on location in Liverpool in August last year. Playing the role of 'Willow', Marisa acted and sang in the film alongside 10 other young actors from the region.

With the film now released and being shown at major Film festivals including in the USA,  Marisa is keen for the film to be shown in schools locally and to share her experiences of making the film which highlights the importance of teenagers being able to open up about their mental health struggles. The film's release coincides with Children's Mental Health Week which runs from 3^rd - 9^th February. 

A pupil at The Hammond School in Chester since 2023, Marisa is also a member of Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre Company and trains with Young Screen Collective in London. Marisa has several theatre credits to her name including 'The Power of Camelot' and 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier' (British Youth Music Theatre), 'Kids Take Over The Stage'(London Performance Prep), and 'The Wizard of Oz' (LKK Pantomimes). Marisa has also appeared in Wrexham and Chester-based Tip Top Productions "The Show Must Go On" at Theatr Clwyd and 'Tip Top at The Musicals' at Storyhouse. Having completed filming on 'I am Enough', Marisa has been invited to travel to New York in October this year to take part in another film shoot. 

Scripted by Lauren J Irwin and Carol Wilson, 'I am Enough' tells the story of a group of young adults who navigate the overwhelming challenges of their mental health, each burdened by feelings of inadequacy. Struggling with bipolar disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, and other hidden battles, they wrestle with the fear that they'll never be enough. As their paths cross, their shared struggles become a quiet bond, but the weight of their individual pain threatens to isolate them. Just as the darkness seems too much to bear, a mentor steps into their lives, introducing them to the transformative power of music and art. Through creative expression, the group begins to rediscover their voices, their strength, and the truth that they are more than their struggles. 'I am Enough' is a heartfelt story about mental health, self-care, and the importance of compassion-reminding us all that healing starts when we believe in our worth and treat others with kindness.

Speaking about the film, Marisa said:

"The film's main message is that not all our problems have to be big. Sometimes, it's the small everyday things that trouble us, that make us feel bad, especially when we compare ourselves to others. It's so important to not bottle our feelings up. The film demonstrates that you can often find a release from everyday problems by doing something you love like music and creative arts which can have such a positive impact on mental health". 

Schools or other groups looking to screen 'I am Enough' or invite Marisa along to share her experience of filming should make contact via email at:

ceris.becker@gmail.com