Don't Panic Supports Mental Health Awareness Week with Evelyn Documentary Showcase

Don't Panic is an agency that loves to take creative risks - and loves hearing from those who take risks too. That is why the agency regularly organises talks from inspiring individuals at Shoreditch House and The Ned to explore the theme of ‘risk-taking’.

In support of Mental Health Awareness week, Don't Panic showcased Evelyn, a film by the Academy Award winning filmmakers of The White Helmets and Virunga. Orlando von Einsiedel joined the agency for a post-film Q&A with founding partner Joe Wade at Soho House to discuss the emotional risk he took in pursuing such a deeply personal documentary.

Evelyn

On a walking odyssey across the United Kingdom, director Orlando von Einsiedel and his family embark on a journey in remembrance of their brother and son, Evelyn, who took his own life over a decade ago. Part quest-film, part road-trip, part memoir, Evelyn is a challenging yet uplifting exploration of inner strength and grief. 

Filmed by an intrepid cameraman using a custom-made rig and monitor, the film captures both the dark, unfiltered aftermath of suicide and the beauty of family bonding and support. As hard-hitting as it is, Evelyn sets out to be equally life-affirming.

The Aftermath

Suicide continues to affect millions of people across the globe, taking more lives than war, murder and natural disasters combined. 

Don't Panic asked Orlando what kind of impact he thinks Evelyn has had and whether he thought the film was worth the risk in the end. In response to the film, many mental health sufferers actually reached out to Orlando and Violet Films. Many of them expressed how the documentary prevented them from taking their own lives. Others stated how it gave them the strength to talk to people they were worried about. Sometimes, all it takes is to remind someone that they’re not alone to save a life. 

Even though the hole left behind by Evelyn will never be filled, the making of the documentary shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The film reminds us of the importance of taking creative risks in order to raise awareness about such important issues. Don't Panic is grateful for Orlando taking the time to talk about his experience of suicide and the emotional strength it took for him to produce Evelyn. It’s time to expose the taboos of mental health and encourage more people to reach out for help.

If you have been affected by suicide or feel like you know someone who may be in need of help, please don’t suffer in silence. For confidential advice and support, you can call Samaritans, a 24 hour helpline, on: 116 123.