A report from the Mental Health Foundation, in the UK, 10 in 30 men deal with suicidal thoughts due to feeling stressed. In comparison to Women, Men deaths ratio is probably high due to suicides as claimed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The studies of the Mental Health Foundation revealed that in minority communities such as men from BAME and gay men, the rates of suicides are much greater.
The short film by the Independent Film Production Company, Worthily Films, Chelsea Leigh Macleod and Steve Dodsworth is “Waiting for Time”. The story of this film is written by Paul Chronnell and is directed by The Bashford Twins. After lockdown in the UK, it is likely to be the first film production. The theme of this film is to highlight the Mental Health of Men, with subject resonating with many and more specifically to those who live in isolation for several months.
David Sessions Discussion:
David Sessions, a behind the scenes photographer, discussed below the factors that attracted him towards the “Waiting for Time” film.
I sense very well for stories that concern in mental health. I consider myself to be underlying because I was grown up in a culture of South Africa that used to be traditional. As I am a gay man, so in a society that is has dated insights of a modern world in a few ways, I felt difficult while living in there. The theme of the film based on mental health surely is powerful. The leading character, performed by Ariyon Bakare as Heath, is unable to show himself completely and same is the feeling that was related to me before.
He further added that “the story possesses a powerful message and it is the reason I participated in the project. It presents the compulsion to express your sincerity and feelings as denied to pour them up inside”.
Reasons for Direction by Bashford Twins:
Several reasons forced The Bashford Twins to direct this short film, but the essential reason is that it is related to the Mental Health of Men.
Bashford Twins said that “We read the film’s script some years before and the concept was lovable. The film was dealing with the mental health of men and the efforts Heath works over, which was the prominent reason that we direct the story. The media has several stories in which the suicide ratio of men has grown dramatically and to help the needy; it necessitates to be spoken about more frequently.
Some other important issues, related to men’s mental health during the lockdown, were also the emotional themes of the story, “Waiting for Time.” The story more specifically includes the mental health of black men. The directors, Bashford Twins, stated that everyone in the industry should be given a chance, irrespective of the race and gender.
Worthily Films desired to produce something with several themes and complications, along with creating important conversations. Our motive was not to produce a film regarding suicide. We were trying to deliver a message of hope and let everyone know of life’s importance.
