Steve (2019)
Directed by Ben Akers, 90 mins
Sunday 06 September 2020 19:00 BST plus panel discussion
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK: 12 men a day; 1 every 2 hours.
One of those men was Steve Yates. But Steve was more than a number, he was a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. - director Ben Akers’ childhood best friend. Ben goes on a mission to look at why this is happening and what men can do to help themselves.
He begins by talking to Steve’s family, health professionals and ordinary men who are suffering, often in silence. From there he explores the solutions with people who are using their experiences to create positive change.In this confronting and raw film, the film-makers want to help men (and their families) understand that it’s ok to not be ok, and discuss the ways we can all help ourselves to be mentally fit.
Ultimately, this is a film of hope, seeking to move us from mental health awareness to mental health action.
We are delighted to include in this screening the two short films that premiered alongside Steve at the 2019 Global Health Film Festival - One and Other by Tatiane Feres and Dogs Chasing Cars by Jon Holmes.
The excellent panel discussion was moderated by mental health campaigner Jon Salmon; Jon was joined by Ben Akers, director Steve, Jon Holmes, director Dogs Chasing Cars, and Hema Patel, who has twice been bereaved by suicide.
Steve featured at the 2019 Global Health Film Festival
One and Other, Dogs Chasing Cars and Steve resources