The director of a new feature documentary to be released for International Men’s Day later this month hopes that it can inspire people to be show more empathy.

Silent Men is the debut feature documentary by Scottish BAFTA and Royal Television Scotland Award-winning director Duncan Cowles, who is known for his short films and TV projects.

It will be released in UK cinemas for International Men’s Day on November 19 and follows the director as he tackles the art of expressing emotion.

Described as being ‘part therapy, part road trip’, the documentary sees Mr Cowles travel around the country asking 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.

Silent Men will partner with leading UK men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club with special regional screenings across the country introduced by the AMC area leader and the chance to chat post-screening at a quiet space with tea and coffee.

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The documentary intertwines candid conversations and the filmmaking process, asking men what makes them tick and how to come to terms with all aspects of health, both physical and mental.

Exploring elements of men’s lives that are often rarely discussed, 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 19th November on International Men’s Day

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.

Duncan Cowles, director of Silent Men said: "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 added: “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.”