Creator of ‘Man Down’ makes new mental health documentary

Monday 25 January 2021

An award-winning local film maker continues to open up conversation about mental health with his new feature: UnMute.

Gaz Papworth received critical acclaim for his documentary ‘Man Down’, which was released in 2019.

Mr Papworth’s first film focused on male mental health, and the avoidance of the stigma and idea that men should ‘Man Up’, emphasising ‘It’s ok not to be ok’. It was praised by the public and received a lot of support.

“The feedback was incredible, people contacted me to say thank you,” said the film-maker. 

Pictured: "It's a subject that isn't talked about enough, I've been there myself and I want to be able to bring people back from the edge," said Gaz.

UnMute opens the discussion to women as well as men and includes the most pressing topics from the modern world.

“I think with everything going on, with the pressures and anxieties in the world right now, people needed something new,” he said.

Mr Papworth explored the black lives matter movement, post-natal depression and the pressures of social media through a series of interviews.

The impact of Covid-19 hangs heavy over the film and its participants, none more so than during an interview with front line NHS workers.

“Using the help of a friend in the UK I manage to have two NHS workers sit down and discuss their experiences of the front line."

The film has been sponsored by Kings Health Club and, prior to yesterday's lockdown announcement, was due to be premiering at the Performing Arts Centre on 17 February.