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A documentary focusing on male mental health, produced by a Guernseyman, who interviewed a number of his peers, has won a film industry award.
Man Down was named Best Documentary at the I AM festival film awards last night.
It was produced, directed and filmed by Gareth Papworth of Element Films.
“The courage and stories of the people in this documentary deserve this award and recognition," said Mr Papworth. "The message is clear and growing each day that it is ok to not be ok.
"If we can keep developing our community here in Guernsey to help and support one another then other places in the world will follow suit.
"Huge thank you to the support of Guernsey Mind, my family, friends and the public - it’s amazing to see the impact this film has had.”
Mr Papworth was at the awards ceremony at Canary Wharf last night, accompanied by Philip Surry of Man Club Guernsey - a support group for men.
“It’s a huge privilege to be here on behalf of Guernsey Mind to support Gaz tonight," said Mr Surry, "this award is very well deserved. We have had so many conversations tonight where people have so openly talked about their mental health. The response has been amazing - there is a real cultural shift happening. We have a small community in Guernsey which is wonderful because a small community can quickly make big movements that can have a big impact on a larger scale. It really is ok to not be ok and we will keep sending that message out day in day out."
Man Down Documentary - Official trailer (2019) from Element Films Uk on Vimeo.
Mr Papworth's work has been viewed by hundreds of people in Guernsey alone, after the initial screening sold out and generated such positive feedback that a number of additional showings were arranged.
The final planned screening is next week at the Princess Royal Centre of Performing Arts, on 21 October. Any available tickets can be booked via guernseytickets.gg
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