As part of their activities for this year’s World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10th October, Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, are excited to be partnering with the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival. The festival will include the first Irish showing of the short film, Man Down. Written by two young men for young men, the film addresses the difficulty of engaging with a friend who’s experiencing mental health issues, and encourages young men to find the time to talk.
The writers and leads, young actors Alan Bradley and Francis Quigley, wanted to illustrate through Man Down the ways in which men can approach friends who may be suffering. Alan and Francis consulted closely with Headstrong in the development of the film, to help ensure depression was depicted accurately and with care. Dr Tony Bates, the founder of Headstrong, commented, “It’s always encouraging when we have young professionals coming to Headstrong with ideas like Man Down, it shows that youth awareness of mental health issues is growing. We’re really pleased we could help support this great short film and work with the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival in bringing it to a wider audience.”
A total of 882 short films were submitted for this year’s festival, before being whittled down to the 125 films to be screened at several venues in Dublin from Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th of October.
More details and the full programme of films can be found on the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival website – www.disfmf.ie As part of the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival, Man Down will be shown at Dublin Cineworld on Saturday 10th October (World Mental Health Day) and at The Sugar Club as part of the festival award ceremony on Sunday 11th October.
Headstrong
Headstrong is a non-profit organisation supporting young people’s mental health in Ireland. Headstrong are behind the Jigsaw service, which provides a safe place for young people aged 12–25 to get free and confidential support for their mental health. Find out more at www.headstrong.ie
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.