Andrew Alton-Read, and Carianne Dunford, The Long Walk
An award winning short film; The Long Walk has been made to raise awareness of mental illness.
The film is based on the true story of a teenage boy, (Daniel), who experiences a highly traumatic event in his life, and is catapulted into a severe mental health crisis, spiralling down into a world of psychosis, disconnected from himself, from reality, from his loved ones.
Whilst he has periods of wellbeing, later in life he again descends into psychosis, and ends up on the streets of London. Once more disconnected, disoriented and vulnerable, unable to verbalise what he needs, he meets with both animosity and harsh judgement, and yet also is helped by unexpected kindness, which leaves a lasting sense of gratitude and hope.
The story’s narrative is portrayed wonderfully, by three different actors from childhood to adulthood, across Daniel’s journey.
The Long Walk stars Michelle Collins (Cindy Beale from EastEnders), Daniel Casey (Sgt Troy from Midsomer Murders), Marilyn Cutts (West End Crazy For You; Coronation Street; Doctors) and Andrew Alton-Read (Multi Award Winning Film – To The Power of Ten and Award Winning Film -The Mongoose).
The message of our film is “Reach out, Don’t stay silent, Ask for help”
So why is this film so relevant now? We are aware that more and more people are struggling with mental health issues, and with limited or unsuitable resources being often the only available services, it can be hard for those experiencing mental health challenges to believe that reaching out to get help and support can actually work.
We believe It is important for people to know that help can be sought and found. It is hoped our film will pull back the curtain and offer viewers a glimpse into what the lived experience of suffering mental ill-health can be like, for both the individual and their loved ones. In doing so, we aim to raise awareness that mental health affects real people, and that we are all connected, we can all reach out and offer support to a fellow human being who is suffering.
We hope Daniel’s story resonates with people experiencing mental ill-health, encouraging them that help and support is out there; for families, that their suffering too, is acknowledged, as they seek to support and journey with their loved one, and for wider communities, to share how kindness and compassion can impact a life.
To coin the phrase, “it’s okay not to be okay”, we hope this story will open up conversations, for people to feel that it is absolutely ok for their need for help and support to be heard, acknowledged, and to be treated with compassion and dignity as the individual they are.
The Long Walk is now already a multiple award winning film with selections in both UK and international independent film festivals. The premiere public screening will be on Saturday 27 January 2024 at The Soho London Independent Film Festival.
For further details of how to book please click here.
The Long Walk – starring Michelle Collins and Daniel Casey, with Marilyn Cutts and Andrew Alton-Read. Directed by Vignesh Vyas, Producers – Carianne Dunford, Dee Mardi and Ore Sanderson. Executive Producers – Andrew Alton-Read and Marie Wallis.
