Year: 2024
Director: Duncan Cowles
Producers: Sandra Leeming, Rebecca Day, Duncan Cowles
Executive Producer: Mark Thomas, Jane Ray
Production Company: Relative Films
Distributors: Cosmic Cat, Film Harbour
Screen Scotland support: The film accessed £82,000 through Screen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund, as well as £15,000 through Screen Scotland's Distribution Fund.
Synopsis
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.
More information
Premiere: Silent Men will have its World Premiere at Sheffield DocFest 2024, where it was awarded a Special Mention by the jury in the International First Feature Competition
Theatrical release: Silent Men will be released in UK cinemas from Friday 19 November 2024.
Image credits: Relative Films