Cósima was a fourth year BA (Hons) Film student when she made a socially impactful documentary about male suicide.
Statistics from Samaritans consistently indicate that over 70 per cent of suicides in Scotland are completed by men. Men between the ages of 45 and 54 have the highest rate overall and that number is increasing year on year.
These statistics shocked and saddened Cósima, motivating her to share the stories behind the numbers. She wanted to give men an opportunity to talk about suicide and mental health in their own words, and provide families with the chance to talk about the men they have lost.
Cósima received her mobility grant to assist with the costs of producing this film and travelling around Scotland collecting interviews. The resulting nine minute documentary film is a moving and often painful piece of storytelling. It raises awareness of those suffering from poor mental health and provides a platform for honest discussion. Perhaps most importantly, the subjects of the documentary talk about their hopes for the future, which was an aspect Cósima really wanted to focus on.
Cósima said: "I witnessed heart-breaking stories of people that have to live with depression and anxiety every day of their lives. I had conversations with families that have lost loved ones to suicide and think about this experience every day. I got to know those that have managed to use the pain of their loss and turn it into a means to help others. I have met people that have attempted suicide and now, years later, they know they want to keep living. Overall, this experience has been greatly inspiring and humbling."
For Cósima the reason behind making this film was to share the stories. In keeping with this desire, she budgeted a large portion of her grant for distributing the film. These stories will have the most impact when they are seen and heard by as many people as possible.