Silent men

A photograph of a man lifting a baby by its armpits and looking softly at its face.

This film will screen with SDH subtitles in-house

Director Duncan Cowles takes us on a journey through male mental health, stigma and taboo in the UK.

Part road trip, part coming-of-middle-age tale, Cowles’ laconic humour and frank approach to his subject proves effective in exploring aspects of masculinity that all too often are little discussed. Admitting that he is not always open and intimate in his conversations with loved ones, the BAFTA-winning Scottish filmmaker sets out to define masculinity in the modern age – what makes men tick and, more importantly, coming to terms with all aspects of health, both physical and mental. The questions asked in Silent Men may seem simple, but their answers betray underlying tensions, as Cowles’ subjects make all too clear. The film grapples with being able to express oneself as a man – to become someone at peace with themselves, their life and the ones they love.

Content Guidance: Film contains discussions about suicide.

Duncan Cowles is a BAFTA Scotland Award winning documentary filmmaker whose short films The Lady with the LampSoft ToffeeRadio Silence, Directed by TweedieIsabella, Alexithymia, Taking Stock, Just Agree Then, In the Company of Insects, SighscapeDesire Lines & Outlets have been selected for various film festivals internationally winning a selection of awards, and gaining significant online exposure through platforms such as Short of the Week, Vimeo Staff Picks, BFI Player, It’s Nice That and more.

In 2017 Duncan founded his own production company Relative Films Ltd to facilitate the production of his first feature documentary Silent Men which he initially took to IDFA Academy before being awarded development funding from Screen Scotland & The Whickers. Silent Men had its World Premiere at Sheffield Doc/Fest in June 2024 apart of the International First Features Competition, and was awarded a Special Mention from the jury.

DG Creative Wellbeing Network is a ground-breaking two-year programme of impactful arts activities, events, and interventions across D&G, working in both community and healthcare settings.

Silent Men

Dir. Duncan Cowles
UK
2024, 86m

+ an introduction by Tabi Mudaliar, DG Creative Wellbeing Network Coordinator

The screening is free to attend, but booking is essential

This screening has been organised by DG Creative Wellbeing Network and Outpost Arts, and is a special advance screening courtesy of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2024.