Cleveland Filmmakers Tackle Mental Health in Powerful Short Film
CLEVELAND - A short film delving into the complex and often taboo issues of mental health and anxiety in Black men has been released on YouTube. Created by Cleveland filmmakers over two days, the film was made possible through the Cleveland Camera Rental's incubator program. It showcases the creativity and dedication of the local film community. The film also addresses toxic masculinity within the Black community and premiered at the 48th Oscar-Qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival. It is now available to watch on Omeleto, a YouTube channel with over three million subscribers, known for hosting some of the world's best short films; and you can watch the entire film here as well.
The film follows Evan, a college student experiencing a tumultuous period in his life. With a demanding professor, slipping grades, and the weight of his parents' high expectations, Evan struggles with anxiety, frustration, and sadness. His professor's public attack for seeming distracted becomes a breaking point, pushing him to seek counseling. However, he faces barriers such as insurance and policy issues. As Evan drifts deeper into depression, a caring classmate suggests alternative paths to healing.
Directed by Madison Ledyard-King and scripted by Kamodjia Williams, the film offers a lucid and compassionate portrayal of a young Black man navigating college while managing emotional turmoil. The film's cinematography, described as luminous yet muted, mirrors Evan's aspirational yet isolated journey. It highlights the tension between societal expectations of stoicism and inner emotional struggles.
Although Evan is surrounded by supportive loved ones, their underlying expectations contribute to his distress. When his academic counselor suggests therapy, Evan dismisses it, echoing the belief that Black men don't seek therapy. He internalizes the need to cope alone but finds himself overwhelmed by isolation. Ledyard-King's performance captures the nuances of mental health challenges, showing that depression can manifest as apathy, distraction, and weariness. Through the help of a concerned classmate, Evan discovers a community of men facing similar struggles, learning that he is not alone.
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