News

UCA Epsom hosts screening of award-winning mental health drama

15 September 2009

An award-winning film-maker from the University for the Creative Arts at Epsom will be holding a screening of his work in conjunction with Epsom Mental Health Week.

Mike Rymer, who works as a technician at the University, premiered his film 'Sick' in March 2008, and since then it has been screened at more than 60 festivals across 23 countries, picking up 20 international awards.

The film follows Amanda, a young mother battling with alcoholism and depression who is increasingly dependent on her parents for her son's welfare.

When her mother dies, Amanda's father Brian arranges for the young boy to be taken into social care, culminating in a 15 year estrangement between father and daughter.

Mike Rymer said: "Epsom Mental Health Week provides a fantastic forum for the presentation of my film 'Sick', which challenges perceptions of mental illness.

"The local premiere of this work at UCA Epsom's brand new auditorium represents a homecoming for me as a long-time Epsom resident. I am thrilled that the film, which has enjoyed so much success abroad, will now be available to audiences here in the local area."

Epsom Mental Health Week, which coincides with World Mental Health Day, is now in its second year. It uses a packed week of events in dance, film, drama, music, talks and comedy to highlight community services, inspire debate about mental health and erode the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Mike added: "Mental Health is not just about the widespread experience of forms of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression, but also the wellbeing of everyone who is put at risk of emotional difficulty through experiences such as bereavement, stress, and particularly financial worries at this time.

"Epsom Mental Health Week is working to bring awareness of this valuable debate, with benefits for everyone, and UCA is delighted to support the initiative in this way."

'Sick' will be screened at UCA Epsom on 6 October at 5.45pm and 6.15pm. It is 15 minutes in length and each free screening will be introduced by Mike.  

For further information on the film visit: http://sick.egoproject.net/php/home.php. For more information on Epsom Mental Health Week visit: http://www.epsommentalhealthweek.org.uk/