Why do so many men struggle to show their feelings?
Part therapy, part road trip, BAFTA award winning filmmaker Duncan Cowles asks men how they open up in order to directly address his own difficulties in being intimate and open with his loved ones.
With profound honesty and deadpan wit, SILENT MEN intertwines awkward conversations and the filmmaking process, asking what makes men tick, and more importantly, how to come to terms with all aspects of health, both physical and mental.
Exploring aspects of masculinity that all too often are little discussed, this film opens the door for other ways of being, communicating and healing, as well as attempting to define masculinity.
Special Mention: Sheffield Doc Fest - “The jury was impressed by the vulnerable approach to a sensitive subject, told in a fresh, open, even humorous tone.”
2024 / 86 mins / Scotland / English
Trailer:
Filmmaker - Duncan Cowles
+ Plunge (8 mins) Director: Ellie Land
A beautifully animated short film that tells the story of Katie who found empowerment, friendship and healing by plunging into the frigid waters of the sea. As her voice relates to us the physical and mental struggles that have plagued her for decades, her animated form darts confidently through kelp forests on the ocean floor.
She tells us about her strong community and the tremendous physical benefits of cold-water swimming. Through Katie’s story, the film adresses themes of isolation and connection, mental health and wellbeing, climate change and empowerment.
This screening will have Open Captions - spoken dialogue and sound effects in the film will be converted to text and appear on screen.
Also screening at The Palace Cinema, Broadstairs on the 22nd of October and the Kino Rye Cinema in East Sussex on the 23rd of October.
COMMUNAL SEA SWIM - SUNDAY OCTOBER 20TH, 9am Mermaid Beach
To celebrate this screening of PLUNGE, we will be taking a dip in the sea on Sunday morning at 9am on Mermaid Beach. Bring warm clothes, a hot drink and breakfast if you like. Everyone is welcome and there’s no pressure to go in the sea - just come along for some bracing sea air and to hang out with filmmakers, filmgoers and sea swimmers.
Trailer
