Filmmaker Statement

It is estimated that 52% of all suicides in South Africa occur in black African men. While the majority of those suicides occurring among men between the ages of 15-29. These high suicide rates are believed to be as a result of how boys are raised, where they are expected to conceal their emotions and always appear strong indicated by research done by psychologist Judith Stillion. I created this film in an effort to raise awareness on grief among young men and encourage an open dialogue on how men currently grieve and what issues it may cause. Since men are expected to conceal their emotions, it is possible that they may conclude they are weak if their emotions are seen by the outside world because a stronger man would never show sadness, let alone cry in front of people or even cry at all. Therefore, depicting another man expressing what they would never express may encourage openness and that it is normal to “feel” and doing so does not make you a weak man.