Director's Works
Barmer, Mental Health First Aid Linda-Shiva Klinkhammer
Linda-Shiva Klinkhammer (1993) is an award-winning directress based in Munich, Germany. Born to a German-Iranian family, she grew up in the countryside of southern Germany. After studying journalism at the Bavarian Academy of Television, she pursued further education in documentary film directing at the University of Television and Film Munich. Her work is distinguished by its ability to capture the authenticity of real life. Driven by a curiosity for unconventional storytelling, she experiments with genres and visual styles, pushing the boundaries between documentary and fiction. In addition to her directing, Linda develops a variety of film formats for production companies and streaming platforms. Her accolades include Gold and Silver YDA awards, the ADCEuropean Award for Best Young Creative, and Silver at the London Shots Awards for New Director of the Year.
If you’ve ever performed first aid, you know it’s a moment that stays with you—raw, vulnerable, and deeply human. But what about the emergencies we don’t see? Mental health crises are often subtle, invisible, and unspoken, yet just as urgent as physical ones. Through our film, we ask: What would mental health first aid look like? Using first aid as a visual metaphor, we set out to bring this hidden issue into focus. The film tells a personal story through German influencer Perre, who shares her journey with anxiety. We see her struggles and “breakthroughs”—those small but powerful moments when she reconnects with herself, often with the support of friends. Our goal was to create a language of care by pairing first aid terms with authentic everyday scenes—bowling, thrift shopping, or relaxing at home. It’s a reminder that mental health first aid can be as simple as showing up for someone in need. By promoting education and action, the film envisions a future where mental health care is normalized, accessible, and stigma-free. Barmer’s online courses equip people with practical tools to support one another, fostering empathy and community. I believe the most powerful intervention isn’t always dramatic—it’s knowing how to help when it matters most.