Silent Men is the debut feature documentary by Scottish BAFTA winning director Duncan Cowles known for his numerous short films and TV projects over the last 10 years. The film was produced by Duncan’s own Scottish-based production company Relative Films with support from Screen Scotland and The Whickers.
Following its World Premiere at Sheffield Documentary Festival in June 2024, where it was awarded a Special Mention by the jury in the International First Feature Competition, the film will be released in UK cinemas from Friday 19 November on International Men’s Day.
Part therapy, part road trip, Silent Men shows filmmaker Duncan Cowles asking men how they open up in order to directly address his own difficulties in being intimate and open with his loved ones. With profound honesty and deadpan wit, Silent Men intertwines awkward conversations and the filmmaking process, asking what makes men tick, and more importantly, how to come to terms with all aspects of health, both physical and mental.
Exploring aspects of masculinity that all too often are little discussed, this film opens the door for other ways of being, communicating and healing, as well as attempting to define masculinity.
The doc sales outlet Film Harbour, known for titles such as Sundance hits Honeyland and Against the Tide, has just taken on international sales for Silent Men. Founded at the beginning of the year, emerging out of former Deckert Distribution, Amsterdam-based Film Harbour is expanding their catalogue in the new capacity and very proud to bring Silent Men to the international market. Glasgow-based distributor and Impact Specialist Cosmic Cat, known for distributing films such as Much Ado About Dying and Since Yesterday has acquired Silent Men for release in the UK & Ireland in November 2024 with selected preview screenings in October.
Duncan Cowles, director of Silent Men, said: "I'm really excited to be partnering with both Film Harbour and Cosmic Cat to bring Silent Men to audiences both in the UK and Internationally. I started this film back at the end of 2016 and it's been a long journey with lots of hurdles to get it finished. My hope is that Silent Men resonates with audiences, making them think, smile, talk, and feel a deeper sense of empathy towards one and another. I believe the issues explored in this film effect everyone in some way, and it's my hope that Silent Men does some good in the world."
Liselot Verbrugge, Film Harbour CEO, said: “We were immediately impressed by the vulnerable approach to such a sensitive subject and drawn towards Duncan's fresh, open and often even humorous tone. One of those films that you will want to share with friends and family.”
Ged Fitzsimmons, Cosmic Cat CEO said: "Cosmic Cat is delighted to have acquired Duncan Cowles' sensational debut feature film Silent Men for release in the UK in November. Our mission is to make a positive change to society, through compelling, impactful storytelling. In partnership with Andy's Man Club, we will be screening the film across the UK with one simple objective: to help men overcome the stigma of men's mental health through the power of conversation."
Mark Thomas, Screen Scotland said: “Screen Scotland is proud to have supported Silent Men, Duncan Cowles’ award-winning debut feature documentary. Duncan brings a warmth and sensitivity to the subject matter of male mental health with disarming humour and empathy. Fresh from its success at Sheffield Doc Fest in June, it is fantastic that the film will receive a theatrical run through Cosmic Cat.”
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Image credits: images from Silent Men, courtesy of Relative Films.