MYTH BUSTERS - DIGITAL TAKEBACK
FUNDED BY THE ART COUNCIL ENGLAND NATIONAL LOTTERY PROJECT GRANT - 2025
MythBusters Digital Take Back is a social impact media project created to help young people challenge harmful online narratives, misinformation and emotional pressures caused by social media. The project explores the impact of unrealistic lifestyles, perfection culture, online addiction and the silent struggles that many people experience behind their screens. Through film, poetry, spoken word, photography and community dialogue, MythBusters encourages digital awareness, emotional healing and the reclaiming of personal wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.
What the Project Did
The project delivered a series of digital media workshops, filmmaking sessions and awareness discussions across the West Midlands. Participants learned how online content affects mental health, identity and self esteem, and created original digital stories that questioned the myths presented across popular platforms. A major part of the programme involved producing short artistic films that reveal the contrast between online perfection and the hidden emotional reality many people face. These films are raw, reflective and deeply personal, giving a voice to silent experiences often overlooked.
The project also created an online campaign titled Digital Take Back, encouraging young people to break harmful online patterns, understand emotional triggers and develop healthier digital habits. The campaign included reflection prompts, short films, creative expressions and awareness materials designed to support those struggling with isolation, shame, comparison and addiction.
Impact and Reach
MythBusters gained strong social media engagement and reached a wide audience across the region. The films and creative content were shared widely by youth groups, community organisations and mental health advocates, helping the project build awareness around the emotional strain caused by modern digital culture. The project also provided a platform for young voices to speak openly about their mental health challenges and the pressure to maintain unrealistic online identities.
The workshops saw participation from young people, migrant communities, LGBTQ communities and individuals who often feel silenced within traditional support systems. Through this project, many participants expressed that they felt heard, understood and empowered to take control of their digital wellbeing.
Communities and Partnerships
MythBusters collaborated with community groups, arts centres, schools and local creative networks to reach participants from many backgrounds. These partnerships enabled the project to create safe spaces where young people could explore complex emotions, reflect on their online experiences and build supportive peer connections.
Why MythBusters Matters
MythBusters Digital Take Back is more than a media project. It is a creative intervention that brings honesty, vulnerability and emotional truth back into the digital space. By using film, poetry and storytelling, the project helps individuals confront hidden struggles, release internal pressure and begin a journey toward healthier digital life habits. It also demonstrates the power of creativity as a tool for mental health awareness, community connection and personal transformation.
Rhiannon’s Story | One Story That Inspires Many | A Short Film
Every journey begins with a spark, a single story that inspires countless others. This short film follows Rhiannon’s personal path of growth, resilience, and creativity. Through her experiences, we see how art, courage, and community can come together to inspire change and remind us that one voice can light the way for many.
A film that celebrates the power of transformation, storytelling, and human connection. Produced by Creative Connections Like, comment, and subscribe to support more real stories that move hearts and inspire change.
Sometimes the loudest battles are fought in silence. This film is for anyone who’s ever felt lost inside their own head. Please check in on your mates. Sometimes one call, one message, one conversation… can change everything.
🆘 If you’re struggling, please reach out:
Samaritans (free, 24/7): 116 123
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58 (5 pm–midnight)
Papyrus HOPELINE247 (under 35s): 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967 Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)
In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
Film by Diyodi Menon Videography by SarahJane Pugh This video has been created as a part of the project Myth Busters funded by the Art Council England. If this short film connected with you, please like, share, and subscribe to help spread the message. Someone you know might need it.
Charlie’s Story | One Journey, Many Inspirations. | A Short Film
“Charlie’s Story | One Journey, Many Inspirations” follows Charlie Wynne, a wonderful young man finding his own truth while inspiring others along the way. This short film captures not just his story, but the power of authenticity, growth, and courage in a world full of challenges.
Directed & Filmed by Diyodi Menon Starring Charles Wynne Creative Consultant: SarahJane Pugh This film is part of MythBusters – Digital Take Back, a project proudly supported and funded by Arts Council England. Together, we rise. Together, we inspire. Together, we keep busting myths.
The War Within | A Short Film
A film by Diyodi What happens when your loudest enemy lives inside your own head?
This short film dives into the brutal, unfiltered battle between ego and purpose, fear and obsession, comfort and chaos. One man. Two voices. No escape. He isn’t lifting for the crowd. He isn’t lifting for the camera. He’s lifting to silence the voice that keeps telling him to quit. Starring Enis_Pl as both the Warrior and the Saboteur.
From the creators of Myth Busters – Digital Takeback. Funded by Arts Council England Created under the Myth Busters – Digital Feedback project. Subscribe for more raw, soul-punching films that expose the hidden wars inside men.
UNREAD | A Short Film
A story about how one message or the lack of it can undo an entire day. 'UNREAD' isn’t just about being ignored. It’s about the quiet, anxious collapse so many of us live through behind our screens. The overthinking. The waiting. The makeup. The smiling selfie. The silence.
Starring SarahJane Pugh Written & Directed by Diyodi Menon Funded by The Art Council England If this film made you feel something, you’re not alone. Drop a comment. Share it with someone who's still waiting for a reply. © 2025 Diyodi Menon. All rights to the film and original music are owned by Diyodi Menon.
The Prison | A Short Film
The Prison | A Short Film Created by Diyodi Menon For MythBusters – A Digital Take Back Funded by Arts Council England.
He lives online. He works, scrolls, streams, and plays, all from one room. Day after day, the screens reflect someone he’s become, but is it really him?
The Prison delivers a powerful message in under 60 seconds, a haunting glimpse into a life shaped by digital walls and a self lost behind the screen. © 2025 Diyodi Menon. All rights to the film and original music are owned by Diyodi Menon.