We’re delighted to announce that Heather E Andrews has won the Grand Jury Prize for her short film This Werewolf Complex at the festival’s 2024 International Film Awards ceremony.
Selected by a panel of film industry and mental health professionals from a shortlist of ten films, all of which have won an award in a specific category, This Werewolf Complex also took home the Experimental Award.
This innovative short film serves as a moving image and sound portrait of the aura—seizures occurring in focused areas of the brain, leading to sensory, physical and emotional disturbances which can sometimes act as precursors to convulsive seizures. Through the voices of individuals who experience this phenomenon, This Werewolf Complex offers an intimate exploration of the various forms of aura, shedding light on the social stigma surrounding them and highlighting their potential positive impact on artistic expression.
Christian Noelle Charles, a member of the jury and New Producer at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, said:
In its discussions, the jury emphasised This Werewolf Complex’s outstanding production design, cinematography and progressive filmmaking that conveyed a profound message and created an immersive experience. This film addresses a topic that is personal and intimate, yet relatable to many, and we are glad it has become visible. It allows audiences to connect deeply with the complexities of living with these conditions, maintaining a delicate balance between addressing the challenges faced and celebrating the unique insights gained through artistic creativity.
Originally from East Ayrshire and now based in Glasgow, Heather is a neurodivergent filmmaker, sound designer and writer. She uses 16mm film and analogue sound recording methods to create sonic and image work, interwoven with poetry and the spoken word. She’s interested in creating work that challenges stereotypes of disability, as well as exploring environmental and political issues, and her films often straddle documentary and fiction.
One of her previous films In Erms of Clay – a Southern Scots gothic tale which explores a time when to be neurodivergent was considered to be disturbed – screened at the festival in 2021 and is available to watch online.
Heather said:
It’s an absolute honour to win the Jury Prize amongst a marvellous array of different films. Part of that is down to the creative team that worked across the board, and most importantly to the other contributors who were the voices throughout the film. Without them and their journey with me, we wouldn’t have the technicolour results of the film. No doubt there will be more crazy filmmaking that I’ll partake in in the future, with a 16mm camera and a budding crew of artists!
As someone who has been through a terrible time with the mental health system, and as someone who has managed to come out of that and achieve something greater, I really appreciate the fact my film has been noticed within this particular festival. Thank you to the festival team and to the jury and I hope everybody enjoys watching the film.
This Werewolf Complex screens as part of the festival’s Scottish Stories programme on Friday 18 October (8-10pm) at CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow.
Here is the full list of award-winning films and how to see them over the next two days:
PERSONAL NARRATIVE
My Dad’s Tapes d. Kurtis Watson (Canada, 2024) 1h22m
A remarkable trove of home video tapes spark filmmaker Kurtis Watson to embark on an investigation into repressed memories from his past.
Screening on Fri 18 Oct, 5.30-7.30pm
IN/VISIBLE
Coin Slot d. Scott Jones (Canada, 2022) 17m
A portrait of a young man trying not to unravel as the anniversary of a traumatic attack looms ever closer.
Screening as part of In/Visible on Sat 19 Oct, 6-8.10pm
ANTI-STIGMA
We Beg To Differ d. Ruairi Bradley (Ireland, 2024) 13m
An exploration of the underground world of diffing, and a community navigating struggles and challenges both on and off the road.
Screening as part of Interventions on Sat 19 Oct, 12-1.50pm
COMMUNITY
Walking to Connect d. Elina Bry (Scotland, 2022) 15m
Participants in Inverclyde explore walking, not just as a means of transit, but as a form of connection and memory-making, through nature walks and experimental filming techniques.
Screening as part of In Community on Fri 18 Oct, 2.30-4.40pm
EXPERIMENTAL AND GRAND JURY PRIZE
This Werewolf Complex d. Heather E Andrews (Scotland, 2024) 15m
A poignant exploration of auras—sensory, physical and emotional disturbances in the brain that can precede convulsive seizures.
Screening as part of Scottish Shorts on Fri 18 Oct, 8-10pm
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
Silent Men d. Duncan Cowles (Scotland, 2024) 1h27m
Director Duncan Cowles takes us on a journey across the UK to ask men about their experiences of mental health, to confront and understand his own struggles.
Screening on Sat 19 Oct, 8.15-10.15pm
HUMAN RIGHTS
Only When You Bury Me in this Earth d. Nima Shahmalekpur (UK, 2024) 17m
Shaheen, an Afghan refugee, accidentally crashes his kite into a young boy’s toy drone, and is forced to face the purpose of his migration and the sacrifice it entails.
Screening as part of In/Visible on Sat 19 Oct, 6-8.10pm
SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Stephen & David’s Toy Cupboard d. Blair Stewart (Scotland, 2024) 15m
A story of a world-renowned bootleg figure maker who reflects on the life and loss of his brother – the inspiration for his success today.
Screening as part of Interventions on Sat 19 Oct, 12-1.50pm
SHORT DRAMA
You Are My Tomorrow d. Lara Köse (Australia, 2023) 12m
A daughter comes face to face with structural and systemic issues plaguing the care system while advocating for her mentally unstable mother.
Screening as part of Family Ties on Sat 19 Oct, 2-4pm
VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
Dancing Madness d. Marta Espar & Maiol Virgili (Spain, 2022) 1h 13m
Three contemporary dancers collaborate with three women diagnosed with mental disorders to explore the boundaries between normality and madness through a shared creative process.
Screening as part of Now You See Us on Sat 26 Oct, 7.30-9pm
Congratulations to all this year’s award-winning filmmakers!
