DON’T BLAME JACK is a semi-autobiographical story about overcoming a loss of self, the recovery process, and adjusting to new circumstances. It is a story about learning self-love and self-appreciation and acceptance.
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FILMMAKER BIO: Dale John Allen is an artist filmmaker based in Manchester and a postgraduate film student at Manchester School of Art. His work explores themes surrounding the social politics of representation, particularly within the LGBT community, in addition to creating work to challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness.
His 2016 short, A FILM ABOUT LOVE, won the short film award from Art with Impact. In 2018 his short, Hugo, XO, was nominated for Best LGBT Documentary for Amsterdam’s New Renaissance Film Festival.
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WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT?
This project is of personal importance to me as it is based on my story. In February 2015 I was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and, like so many others before me, struggled with coming to terms with what this label meant and how it would affect my daily life. I created A FILM ABOUT LOVE from my recovery journals.
DON’T BLAME JACK is a semi-autobiographical short-film which tackles the subject of post-diagnosis. Your problems do not go away once you receive the diagnosis, but instead the long, often dull reality, of recovery just begins. This story demonstrates how mental health and sexuality can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, with hope to highlight important issues that members of the queer community face. Many members of the queer community suffer from mental health issues such as depression, which can often be exacerbated by fear of acceptance. Many members of the LGBT community end up homeless, or struggling with addiction.
This story is about accepting that I am not just my mental illness and I am not just my sexuality. I am a passionate voice with a story I wish to share and inspire by waving my pride flag in the name of love.
THIS FILM IS READY TO GO WE JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP <3 <3 <3
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WHY SHOULD YOU DONATE?
By donating to this project, you will also be donating to three chosen charities. 10% of each donation will be given to The Amy Winehouse Foundation, with an additional 10% of each donation to be split between Mind Out and LGBT Foundation. All three charities are organisations fighting to improve the lives of the LGBT community suffering from ill mental health, and those facing homelessness and addiction.
By contributing to this film, you will allow us to visually realise the films potential and showcase the talents of all involved - on and off camera... (And talent don’t come cheap!!!)
Once the film is complete it is vital to get onto the film festival circuit. This alone can be expensive and often has no guarantees of being accepted or screened, but to give the project every chance at success we must submit, submit, submit!
Thank you so much for reading through this campaign and considering donating. If you are unable to make a cash donation but would still like to contribute in some way please, please, please share this campaign via social media, or a pass the link with friends/family. Any form of contribution is so, so greatly appreciated.
Dale John Allen
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Read our interview with ART WITH IMPACT: https://artwithimpact.org/dont-blame-jack-awi-exclusive-interview/
Listen to us talk about all things Don't Blame Jack on ALLOUT Radio: https://www.mixcloud.com/alloutradioshow/all-out-radio-show-16th-june-2018-dont-blame-jack/