As an actor, Adolyn H. Dar has captivated audiences with his compelling performances on screen. Transitioning from a scientific pursuit to the art of acting, Adolyn has consistently mesmerized viewers with his talent, now taking the spotlight in the recently launched film Desi Standard Time Travel. Beyond the spotlight, Dar has created wellness and mental health programs for the community. His work as an actor and mental health advocate is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of storytelling and inclusivity. Keep reading to learn more about Adolyn!

Where are you based?
I divide my time between Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and LA.

What inspired you to start your career in the film industry?
Stories. I always read stories as a kid and whether it's writing one or being part of one, I knew that this was the field for me. Acting seemed like a natural extension of that passion.

Recently, you starred in the motion picture Desi Standard Time Travel. Can you tell us about the film?
The story is about a young man who loses his father and get's an opportunity to go back in time and end things on a better note...except it's Desi time travel so you know, it's never on time. They send him too far and now he has to meet his father when his father was just a landed immigrant in Canada. It's funny, heart-warming and will leave you wanting to call your loved ones by the end.

What has been the most thrilling part of filmmaking?
The stories we get to tell and the people we work with make it the best job in the world.

You have worked on several projects. How have you managed to balance your personal and professional lives?
A lot of hard work. And improv. If it wasn't for my improv training I don't think I would be able to juggle everything that I do and remain as calm as I can be under stress.

Before taking on acting, you pursued cognitive science. Why did you decide to transition to acting?
I've loved both fields and still continue to use my degree in the arts and in the mental health programs I work for. Acting felt like for me an exploration of the theoretical, it felt like I could understand the cognition better with less 'thinking' and more 'doing'. In fact, this has a convergent field in arts and cognitive science called embodied cognition and they often study actors and athletes. That and I really hope to one day work with Jon Stewart, Colbert, or Steve Carrel. Really, they make me laugh, and I wanted to be a part of it.

In addition to acting, we heard you create wellness and mental health programs. What gave you the idea to start these programs?
I think a progressive and inclusive society is one in which everyone can be themselves and ultimately have fun in this one life we all get. Who doesn't want to live in a world like that? I hope my art contributes to that one day and, in turn, I hope I can directly continue to support programs that actively make people's lives better.

One of the programs you work with is ONTrack. Can you describe your work with the program?
It's a recreation and wellness program acting as a community intervention for individuals with mild-to-moderate mood disorders. Come for the community and stay for the fitness is the adage and it's made a big difference in the lives of people who feel like it's hard enough to get out of bed, much less exercise. As well as managing the program I wrote an evidence-based white paper for it to show that recreation and wellness interventions in the community can statistically significantly improve health outcomes for individuals.

We also learned that you serve as the inclusion and diversity coordinator for Bad Dog Theatre. How have you managed to combine your passion for social issues with acting?
I'm a passionate advocate for DEI-B and Justice and for me it's about how I treat the world around me. In my artistry I hope to embody the values and when I run workshops in DEI I remind everyone we can all practice humility and graciousness when it comes to these changing times. I don't know what the right answers are and certainly don't ever want to pretend to but acting is a dialogue that goes beyond your scene partner and I like to think these changing times is a larger dialogue on what's to come. And I think with continual conversation things will get better. That's the best I can say to answer your questions :D.

What does addressing mental health and well-being mean to you? Why do you think it's vital to talk about these matters?
Evidence shows stigma is the number one reason why people won't seek help, despite the success rate of interventions being in the 80 to 90%. So the more we talk, the more we reduce stigma, the more people get help and the more we move towards that fun world we all want to live in.

What advice would you give someone struggling from mental health?
This is a great question that I can't do justice in the short time we have. But here is a quick list:

1. Ask for help. Even if it's just texting a friend. I promise you this will make things better.

2. Don't be afraid to tell your doctor and balance their advice with the classic interventions: eat well, sleep well and move. Get out of your head and just move.

3. Find your tribe. The more you can laugh with people the more you'll feel better.

4. If you feel like medication is the correct route, which it very well can be, don't balk at it or feel any shame around it. If you had a broken leg you'd wear a cast right? Some things are just chemical and out of our control — find the crutch you need to help you support — it's a win-win in the long run.

5. And play the long run. Life is a marathon, not a sprint to the end.

6. Reach out if you ever need to chat or need help finding resources in Canada: adolynhd.

7. All the love — I've been there and it does get better. I promise.

What advice would you provide an emerging actor?
1. See above and support your mental health

2. It can be a long and winding road so really find love in what you do. Journey before destination (if you know you know).

What was the most essential lesson you learned on set?
Play. Sleep well before, eat well and come open and ready to play and listen.

Do you have any exciting new projects you would like to share?
I'm currently working on a children's mental health book that I hope sees the light of day, and am very excited about it. As well as a movie I have a part in: Fat Lady Sriracha and a series Potluck Ladies I'm filming over the summer.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
Honestly, I haven't always been positive. That's what makes us human, the ebbs and flow of emotions. What has helped is finding joy in the little things: a good breakfast, a walk, clean air... But the more I learn that I'm not separate from nature, that I am indeed part of it and therefore have some part to play, the more hopeful I am about what we can all collectively achieve.

What is your motto in life?
Nothin' what's a motto with you? God, such a good movie. If you can't laugh at it or with it, it holds too much power over you.

To learn more about Adolyn H. Dar , please follow him via his Instagram:
Instagram: @adolynhd

Adolyn H. Dar - Spotlighting Mental Health In Communities