Weighed Down
Film & Event Partners
Press and Media
Press and media partners for the event so far
Partner for the film?
Film Trailer
FILM SHORT SYNOPSIS
Isaac Kenyon, a British endurance athlete and mental health survivor, made history as the first person to complete a full-distance Ironman in North Devon's stunning scenery while wearing a 15kg weighted vest. This incredible feat symbolises the invisible burdens men carry due to societal expectations, cost of living crisis, toxic masculinity, and fear of sharing their feelings, which often force them into silence. Through his powerful journey, Isaac calls for open conversations about mental health, urging all to break the silence and lift the weight of their struggles as a sign of strength rather than weakness, reversing toxic masculinity and inspiring change.
CREW
Director, Camerman, Drone Pilot and Editor - Daniel Williams
Key Cast Member, Producer, Writer, Voiceover Narration - Isaac Kenyon
Directors Statement - Daniel Williams
Highlighting an issue currently plaguing men's mental health, Weighed Down aims to raise awareness for the plight of mental health during the cost of living crisis here in the UK. A story about the courage to speak up for mental health and listen to those struggling as well as building resilience through the adversity of adventure/endurance challenge. Tne Weighed Down project uses the symbol of physical weight as a personification of the burden that men carry in their heads and their hearts when not speaking out about their mental health issues. Conversely the weight becomes heavier over time until breaking point which is what happens in the Ironman as Isaac becomes weaker whilst carrying the weight until he can't do it anymore at the end of the marathon run and then would let go of the weight, releasing him from his struggles.
On a personal level, what drew me to the project was the uniqueness and symbolism embodied in Weighed Down. Whilst the challenge of an Ironman is already a test of physical and mental strength. To attempt one wearing a 15KG weighted vest throughout the entire endeavour is not only a world first but a literal embodiment of overcoming being weighed down in both muscle and bone, mind and determination.
Often, it is hard to relate to individuals suffering from their own mental health battles as one is not inside their mind. Mental health is invisible to many. To those who haven’t experienced similar issues, it’s hard to empathise with. This could be considered vague by the inexperienced, such as myself. Weighed Down provides a literal, physical embodiment of those suffering. Visually easy to understand and relate to. To some degree this is a reason why I am honoured to be a part of this project, to be weighted down is something we can all relate to and something we can all work together to remove the weight.
My parents have forever been my heroes, NHS mental health workers who worked tirelessly over the last 30 years to improve the lives of citizens in the UK suffering from their own battles. Whilst my career hasn’t taken me down the route to help individuals suffering from mental health directly, Weighed Down has provided me an opportunity to contribute in some way and ultimately honour the work of my folks.
Visually, there are three main aspects of the film. The emotive story of our protagonist who shares his own experiences to altruistically highlight the issues he has suffered. The demanding physical activity of a world first, embarking on an ironman with a 15KG weighted vest. And ultimately more poignantly the physical embodiment of the story itself - overcoming being weighed down.
Daniel Williams - Film Director
Charity Partner
Isaac explains the reasons behind this project…
I am looking to raise the bar of the IRONMAN and become the first person to complete a full IRONMAN with a weighted 15kg vest to raise awareness for everyone and especially men to speak out about their mental health issues to remove the weight from their lives. The event is timely and will be taking place during World Suicide Prevention Day.
I will be making a short film with my co-founded production company “Wild Wisdom Ltd” about this journey with Daniel Williams (Co-founder and Director) which will be released on World Mental Health Day and will be raising funds for the mental health charity I am a trustee of called Mind In Mid Herts.
I have anxiety and in my western culture, it is seen still as a sign of weakness and something to be ashamed of. We are also seen as people who aren’t able to make decisions and are stigmatised. I was like most people who believed anxiety is not a real medical illness and that people with anxiety could snap out of it if they wanted to. Due to this, I didn’t look for support for fear of being seen as weak and my condition developed I would think that many macho men still see mental health struggles as a personal issue and a lack of personal fortitude.
Because of that, and the stigma that still exists surrounding mental illness (not to mention, the pressure on men to always be strong), a lot of men struggle with admitting they may need help. This toxic masculinity often reduces the chances of men embracing healthy coping resources, they may turn to alcohol and other drugs as a way to numb the pain.
No one is immune to stress. Talking with others about how it is affecting you can foster empathy, camaraderie, and support and we need people to realize that these are medical problems, that there are good treatments available, and that there is hope involved.
Sometimes reducing stigma means being willing to talk about the times we’ve needed to ask for help ourselves.