Weighed Down

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Film Trailer

FILM SHORT SYNOPSIS

Isaac Kenyon is a world-record-breaking British endurance athlete who becomes the first to complete a full distance IronMan with a 15kg weighted vest in the Exmoor National Park. Throughout Isaac's adventure, he shares an experience of living in western culture where mental health is still seen as a sign of weakness and something to be ashamed of. This story shares why men should speak out about their mental health issues to remove the weight from their lives.

CREW

Director, Camerman, Drone Pilot and Editor - Daniel Williams
Key Cast Member, Producer, Writer, Voiceover Narration - Isaac Kenyon

Directors Statement - Daniel Williams

Highlighting an issue currently plaguing men, Weighed Down aims to raise awareness for the plight of mental health. A story about adventure and endurance the project uses the symbol of physical weight as a personification of the burden that men carry in their heads and their hearts.

On a personal level, what drew me to the project was the uniqueness and symbolism embodied in Weighed Down. Whilst the challenge of an Ironman is already a test of physical and mental strength. To attempt one wearing a 15KG weighted vest throughout the entire endeavour is not only a world first but a literal embodiment of overcoming being weighed down in both muscle and bone, mind and determination.

Often, it is hard to relate to individuals suffering from their own mental health battles as one is not inside their mind. To those who haven’t experienced similar issues, it’s hard to empathise with. This could be considered vague by the inexperienced, such as myself. Weighed Down provides a literal, physical embodiment of those suffering. Visually easy to understand and relate to. To some degree this is a reason why I am honoured to be a part of this project, to be weighted down is something we can all relate to.

My parents have forever been my heroes, NHS mental health workers who worked tirelessly over the last 30 years to improve the lives of citizens in the UK suffering from their own battles. Whilst my career hasn’t taken me down the route to help individuals suffering from mental health directly, Weighed Down has provided me an opportunity to contribute in some way and ultimately honour the work of my folks.

Visually, there are three main aspects of the film. The emotive story of our protagonist who shares his own experiences to altruistically highlight the issues he has suffered. The demanding physical activity of a world first, embarking on an ironman with a 15KG weighted vest. And ultimately more poignantly the physical embodiment of the story itself - overcoming being weighed down.

Daniel Williams - Film Director

Charity Partner

DONATE TO MIND IN MID HERTS

Isaac explains the reasons behind this project…

I am looking to raise the bar of the IRONMAN and become the first person to complete a full IRONMAN with a weighted 15kg vest to raise awareness for everyone and especially men to speak out about their mental health issues to remove the weight from their lives. The event is timely and will be taking place during World Suicide Prevention Day.

I will be making a short film with my co-founded production company “Wild Wisdom Ltd” about this journey with Daniel Williams (Co-founder and Director) which will be released on World Mental Health Day and will be raising funds for the mental health charity I am a trustee of called Mind In Mid Herts.

I have anxiety and in my western culture, it is seen still as a sign of weakness and something to be ashamed of. We are also seen as people who aren’t able to make decisions and are stigmatised. I was like most people who believed anxiety is not a real medical illness and that people with anxiety could snap out of it if they wanted to. Due to this, I didn’t look for support for fear of being seen as weak and my condition developed I would think that many macho men still see mental health struggles as a personal issue and a lack of personal fortitude.

Because of that, and the stigma that still exists surrounding mental illness (not to mention, the pressure on men to always be strong), a lot of men struggle with admitting they may need help. This toxic masculinity often reduces the chances of men embracing healthy coping resources, they may turn to alcohol and other drugs as a way to numb the pain.

No one is immune to stress. Talking with others about how it is affecting you can foster empathy, camaraderie, and support and we need people to realize that these are medical problems, that there are good treatments available, and that there is hope involved.

Sometimes reducing stigma means being willing to talk about the times we’ve needed to ask for help ourselves.