Silent Men

Scottish filmmaker Duncan Cowles realises that he, like many men today, has a problem expressing emotion. He struggles to find ways to counter all the stereotypes and preconceptions of “proper male behaviour”. Although he is aware they are outdated, they remain a part of his inner nature.

Duncan’s 5-year journey to gain the ability to tell his own parents that he loves them is filled with meeting other men, both in his life and outside it. He talks to them about how hard it is to be honest about everyday feelings and long-term traumas. This exploratory essay film playfully teeters on the edge of self-irony and vulnerability. In doing so, it touches on both personal stories and deeper societal issues.