Award-winning director Duncan Cowles is releasing a new documentary for International Men’s Day, which offers a vulnerable insight into the stories of men and elements of their lives that are rarely discussed. Brewery Arts in Kendal will be showcasing the film on the 12 and 19 December. Following the screening on 12 December, there will be a live Q&A with Cowles, Producer Rebecca Day and local filmmaker Dom Bush (featured in the documentary).
Silent Men is the debut feature documentary by Scottish BAFTA and Royal Television Society Award-winning director Duncan Cowles, known for his numerous shortfilms 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. It is distributed in the UK by Cosmic Cat.
Part therapy, part road trip, Silent Men follows filmmaker Duncan Cowles as he tackles the awkward art of expressing emotion. Duncan travels around the country asking men (both loved ones and strangers) how they open up in order to directly address his own difficulties in being intimate and open with his parents, partner and friends. With profound honesty and deadpan wit, Silent Men intertwines candid 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. Silent Men opens the door for other ways of being, communicating and healing, as well as attempting to define masculinity.
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 19 November on International Men’s Day, showing at Brewery Arts on 12 and 19 December.
Silent Men have partnered with leading UK men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club, who have organised special regional screenings across the country. Following the screening on 12 December at Brewery Arts, there will be the chance to chat post-screening in a quiet space with free tea and coffee.
Duncan Cowles, director of Silent Men, says “I’m really excited that Silent Men will be reaching audiences across the UK and beyond. 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 affect everyone in some way, and it’s my hope that Silent Men does some good in the world.”
Mark Thomas, Screen Scotland, states “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.”
Book your tickets to view Silent Men here.
