“Big boys don’t cry”, society dictates, where in reality countless men afflicted by mental illness suffer in silence, muffled by stigma.
Hoping to raise the much needed awareness on the topic, Brackenfell filmmaker Norman Leslie has delved into the world of male mental health with a recently released short film.
With moving dialogue, the film investigates the intricate layers of trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges faced by individuals, particularly within the male community.
Shot entirely on an Iphone, “Lost Hope” is a powerful portrayal of the pervasive effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and the profound impact it has on individuals’ ability to speak out, seek help, and show vulnerability.
“The story revolves around characters Darryl and Nigel, estranged brothers grappling with similar mental health issues stemming from their childhood experiences. While both face internal struggles, their paths diverge, highlighting the different ways trauma can shape individuals,” says Leslie.
The story of “Lost Hope” is rooted in co-producer Earl Hendrick’s own childhood experiences, particularly the sexual assault he endured as a child. The film is his passion project for which he wrote the earlier version and he also portrays one of the main characters.
“The lasting effects of his trauma took a significant toll on him, leading to struggles with depression and suicide in adulthood. Creating this story was a cathartic process for Earl, offering him an opportunity to reclaim his power and provide a voice for others who have faced similar challenges. Earl and I collaborated to rework Earl’s original story into “Lost Hope,” infusing it with new perspectives and narratives.”
Challenges
Leslie has been refining the script for the past five years, faced by challenges like lockdown restrictions and delayed plans for production.
“However, equipped with camera equipment acquired through my company Norky Wedding Media and mobile DJ, we decided to take matters into our own hands and shoot the film ourselves, using iPhones and special lenses. The decision allowed us to do it with no budget,” he says.
The movie was shot over a three-month period from October to December 2023 at Hendricks’s home in Claremont, and other scenes in Grassy Park. Based on real life people and events, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
“For example, we incorporated elements of comedic relief through characters like the irritating yet charismatic friend and the loving cousin who serves as a maternal figure. These characters, along with others, represent a diverse spectrum of experiences and personalities, reflecting the complexity of mental health challenges and societal responsibility within our communities,” Leslie explains.
He says a strong stigma surrounds mental health, particularly among coloured men who are often expected to adhere to rigid notions of masculinity.
“’Lost Hope’ aims to challenge these stereotypes and foster open dialogue to encourage individuals, including women, to break free from societal expectations and seek support when needed. By addressing these issues head-on, we hope to dismantle the stigma and create a more supportive environment for everyone.”
He says the prevalence of male mental health challenges, particularly among young people, is undeniable, with many individuals silently struggling with their issues.
“The consequences of untreated mental health challenges can be devastating, leading to a cycle of pain and suffering within our communities. The movie sheds light on these issues, encouraging viewers to confront and address the root causes of mental health challenges,” says Leslie.
Misconceptions
Despite the importance of seeking help, many men hesitate to reach out due to fears of appearing weak or vulnerable, misconceptions challenged by the film that portrays seeking help as a courageous act of strength.
“By normalising conversations about mental health, we hope to empower individuals to make a priority of their well-being and seek support when needed.”
The authentic dialogue in the film plays a crucial role serving to raise awareness and destigmatizing discussions around mental health.
An example of the potential of this narrative, Leslie says in the recent Netflix series “Baby Reindeer”, which similarly confronts themes of trauma and mental health.
For Leslie it was a deeply personal journey serving as a platform to amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized or silenced.
“It was also a great challenge as I wrote, produced, directed, shot, acted and edited. It’s definitely something I won’t attempt to do all on my own again in the future, but for this project, it was the best way forward. As both a creator and advocate, I am grateful for the opportunity to shed light on important societal issues and create meaningful change through storytelling.”
The ultimately goal with “Lost Hope” is to catalyse positive change within society, fostering greater understanding, empathy, and support for people struggling with mental health challenges.
“We aim to challenge societal attitudes towards mental health, encouraging open dialogue and proactive efforts to address the root causes of these issues. Additionally, we aspire to fight against sexual abuse by not only supporting victims but also taking proactive steps to educate and intervene with perpetrators, ultimately striving for a safer and more compassionate society.”
