The Sun dubs Dundee ‘suicide city’ after a string of young men take their own lives one summer. The sensationalist press asks what ‘mystery’ lies behind the deaths. In fact, the shocking truth is simply that the suicide risk is far higher in Scotland’s poorest areas. Young men are six times more likely to take their own lives than they are in better-off parts of the country. So, statistically, there’s nothing surprising about the deaths. Yet, somehow, the numbers don’t make headlines.
The parents of the victims say how they pity young people trying to find work and meaningful lives in a depressed, post-industrial city. “Dundee’s dead,” says the stepfather of one victim. But life goes on for those left behind. Shawn, who is 15, is determined not to follow his big brother Liam’s example. A dedicated boxer, he’s steered clear of the drugs that ruined Liam’s life. “Liam’s basically took the bullet for me,” Shawn explains, hoping to become a PE teacher. And now Liam’s mother has a new granddaughter to care for.
Screening Formats: HD Cam, Digi Beta, Beta SP, DV-Cam
Highlights:
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Glasgow International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival 2011
Supported by: BBC Scotland, Creative Scotland
Links:
Official Website
Merchandise
Blog by Producer Noe Mendelle
To arrange a screening contact: info@scotdoc.com
This film was developed through Bridging the Gap, an opportunity for emerging filmmakers based in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
