BROTHERS is a short film detailing friendship, betrayal and the fragility of mental health launched by CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), STUDIOCANAL UK, and HKX.
Available free to watch from today (6 November), BROTHERS is Inspired by the real-life experiences of lead actor Michael Workeye and his relationship with his older brother’s mental health struggles.
Written and directed by acclaimed film director Huse Monfaradi, and featuring rising stars Jay Lycurgo and Michael Workeye, the film will be followed with a pre-recorded Q&A hosted by renowned broadcaster Edith Bowman.
HONEST
“Brothers is a raw and honest portrayal that tackles the complex relationships between family that is often unexplored,” emphasises Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, the leading movement against suicide through life-saving support and informaiton.
“Talking to family about our mental health can be really difficult. It can be daunting to start a conversation about it, and even tougher to help them understand.
“But we also know that 68 per cent of people with severe mental illness disclosed to at least one family member or mate can make a huge difference.
“Starting the conversation has loads of potential benefits. And when you’re going through a hard time, this extra support can prevent you from reaching crisis point.”
SIGNS
COVID and lockdown has brought families into even closer proximity, at a time of high anxiety. In this environment we might see signs of mental illness or depression in a family member that we hadn’t seen before.
Yet it is so hard to know how to approach the conversation.
CALM has created some tips and advice on both how to talk to your family if you’re struggling, as well as how to reach out to a family member if you’re worried about them.
BROTHERS director, Monfaradi adds: “Hearing Michael’s story and the struggles he has had with his older brother’s mental health issues over the years was the inspiration for me to write BROTHERS.
“I felt compelled as a filmmaker to try and tell a version of this story in a dramatic, relatable and compassionate manner, so as to not only do Michael and his family some justice, but also shed light on the subject and hopefully open a discussion around it.”
Watch the film for free here.