Man Down filmmaker releasing second documentary: UnMute

Taboos on male mental health in Guernsey were broken down in his first award-winning documentary Man Down.

Mr Papworth said the title ‘UnMute’ offers a chance for people to speak out, be heard and help others.

‘In my upcoming film I am covering mental health in general, post natal depression, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, racism, discrimination, Covid-19 related stress and how it has affected people, suicide, bullying and a lot more,’ Mr Papworth said.

Feedback from Man Down demonstrated that sharing mental health experiences helped others to open up.

‘I was blown away by the response from the public – it was sold out each screening. I then went on to winning at the I AM Film Festival in London, which I was so proud of. I had a lot of people contact me to just say thank you and that my film had helped them get the help they desperately needed, and that drove me forward to produce UnMute.’

Local filming began last month at Les Rocquettes Hotel, where a room was set up to conduct interviews.

‘So far I have interviewed seven people with mixed stories, including Deputy Gavin St Pier, who has opened up about his past. I am including all genders in my film as I want this to be a diverse film which will help a lot of people.’

Mr Papworth is looking for more female participants, members of the black community, people from the older generations and carers of people with dementia.

He intends to show how racism affects mental health, how mental health has changed over the years and the impact of dementia on loved ones.

Former BBC cameraman and Mr Papworth’s second cousin, Stuart McAlister, is filming the UK interviews and sending footage back for editing.

‘He recently finished filming a powerful interview in Bournemouth about someone I knew from my former regiment in the army, who tragically took his own life in January after battling PTSD for years from fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan. My cousin filmed his wife talking about the ripple effect it leaves on a family when somebody takes their life, leaving his two young boys behind.’

Next week NHS nurses in South London will be interviewed on the impacts of Covid on frontline staff, as well as people who have lost families and friends to the virus.

‘The world is changing. The way the world is at the moment there is an increase in mental health [issues] globally and I hope my film will help people,’ he said.

Screening is planned for January, intended to be held at The Performing Arts Centre as last year. Kings Gym and Agilisys Guernsey were thanked for their sponsorship.

n Those interested in getting involved can email info@elementfilmsuk.com or visit facebook.com/UnmuteDocumentary/ to arrange a coffee and chat about what to expect during filming.