Mental Health Film Lined Up For Film Festivals

New short film, 'Sick', dealing with the sensitive subject of depression, has linked up with Samaritans.
Through seeing the film it is hoped that people will come forward to the charity earlier for help and support.
Depression is widely considered one of the biggest killers in the western world, but is still a taboo subject. Director Mike Rymer and producer Christine Hartland decided to make 'Sick' in order to raise awareness of mental health issues and depression in particular.
Samaritans had an advisory involvement with 'Sick' from the early script stage of the production. The 15-minute film depicts the experience of depression and alcoholism which have left Brian’s daughter, Amanda, relying on him for her son’s welfare.
As Brian’s story slides backwards through 15 years of therapy, his daughter’s crashes forwards over one devastating night and they collide on that evening.
Winner of one of the tenth annual Wandsworth Film Awards, 'Sick' was also financially assisted by Film London, and SLaM NHS Foundation Trust.
It has already been entered into the Cannes Film Festival and will launch to the international festival circuit this summer. 'Sick' is then expected to play to audiences around the world ahead of the London Film Festival and an entry to BAFTA next winter.
(DS/SP)