A very interesting film about a project in which some people with mental health problems went on a film-making course and then (with help) made their own short films (which were then screened at a cinema). About a third of the film consists of interviews with the people who arranged it and the participants telling about their experience and how it helped them; the remainder of the film shows two examples of the 10-minute shorts that were produced - presumably the best ones. The stuff about the project is interesting - it was a great experience for those who took part and really helped them, but the shorts themselves are actually far better - a revelation.
One is called 'A Life on the Line' and consists of a series of cuts of people talking on the phone - from which the story emerges. You wouldn't believe that the person who wrote and made this had had no knowledge of film-making at all only a few weeks later.
And the second ('Night Music') is brilliant: an animated film about the mysterious Dr Bird and his adventures in the big city in search of new parts for his old gramophone. Amongst other things he goes to a sailors' dive and a dance hall, buys a soul from the devil and conducts a wedding, before he gets what he wants. The story keeps you interested and there is a great plot twist at the end. Some good jokes and very nice animation and soundtrack.
