Love & Trouble, directed by Amy Hardie and produced by Sonja Henrici, has captured attention with its poignant exploration of trauma, resilience, and family dynamics, and marked its world premiere at the Dokumentale Festival in Berlin this October. Following the festival, Love & Trouble was acquired by Journeyman Pictures ahead of IDFA, to represent the film for worldwide sales.
The film follows the journey of a young couple, Kenny and Kerry, facing a profound crisis after their newborn's cries unexpectedly trigger Kenny’s combat PTSD. In a bid to save their marriage, Kerry must confront both his breakdown and her own childhood trauma, leading them on a decade-long journey through studying Psychology, and trying unconventional therapies that prove the mind's power to heal itself - one brave step at a time.
In Love & Trouble, Amy Hardie (The Edge of Dreaming, Seven Songs for a Long Life), known for her sensitive storytelling and nuanced direction, shapes a ten year story arc into an uplifting mental health story. With music by Jeff Baxter and produced by Mark Orton (Nebraska /The Holdovers), and original songs by emerging Scottish singer Roseanne Reid, the film is a unique, compelling narrative that explores the toll of trauma on individuals and families, and the many different paths toward recovery and healing.
Todd McEwan, author of Cary Grant’s Suit called the film “A study in contemporary life and luck that suddenly becomes something wholly unexpected: moving and wonderful.”
Dr Khalid Ali, Film and Media critic, British Medical Journal said: ''By telling Kerry and Kenny's story of trauma, Amy Hardie delivers a poignant recipe for healing. 'Love and Trouble' is a must-see film for anyone who ever experienced anxiety, depression or PTSD, and for those who stood by them."
Journeyman Pictures will represent the film in all territories worldwide except the UK. As this year’s inaugural Dokumentale in Berlin, Love & Trouble already sparked fruitful discussions with filmmakers and psychologists about the prevalence of trauma in families.
Produced by Sonja Henrici Creates, Amy Hardie Productions in co-production with Fruitmarket GmbH (Arne Birkenstock) and SWR/ARTE. The film is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Doc Society Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.
Emma Simpson, CEO, Journeyman Pictures, says: "We are delighted to be partnering with Sonja and Amy on the release of Love and Trouble into all markets worldwide. Over many years of patient work, this talented team has created a powerful and intimate portrait of something with universal relevance, exploring how we should tackle our demons and how to navigate our most important relationships when the odds are stacked against you."
Sonja Henrici, Producer, Sonja Henrici Creates, says: “We’re delighted to take the film’s empowering message out with Journeyman Pictures. Kenny and Kerry, our protagonists are so relatable. They encourage us to look at our own life and where we could take a step forward. They model a modern marriage which fosters open communication and self empathy. We have a lot to learn from them.
"As Roseanne Reid sings in the film: we need “a different kind of brave.” This film embraces new kinds of heroes. Not action heroes with military medals, but those who look steadfast into past experiences and trauma to create a kinder world for themselves and others.”