INTERVIEW: Florence Kosky Talks About ALL THE WORLD’s A STAGE, And Brings Awareness To The Problem Of Suicide And Mental Health.

Directed by Florence Kosky, this rhythmical and theatrical styled poetic short film is part of the Raindance MA Shortcase. The short film highlights the issue of mental health and suicide, and Director Kosky has done her bit in bringing awareness to the general public. I had the honour to talk to her about the short film in which she talks about her inspiration behind it, and why she chose it to be a poetically narrated short film, rather than a simple dialogue filled one. INTERVIEW: Florence Kosky Talks About ALL THE WORLD’s A STAGE

The Poetic Short Film can be watched at the end of the interview. Please scroll down to watch it and share it to raise awareness.

The London Tree: How does it feel to have your poetic film ‘All the World’s a Stage’ selected to be screened at the prestigious Raindance Film Festival?

Florence Kosky: It feels amazing! I think Raindance is pretty much the best festival for British independent film so it’s really a great honour to be included in this year’s selection.

The London Tree: As the topic chosen for this poetic film is very touching and personal to you, how did you come with the idea of making it in a rhythmic and theatrical style?

Florence Kosky: The narrative of All The World’s A Stage was lifted from a poem written by a peer of mine whilst we were at school together, following the death of a close friend of ours. I wanted to keep the rhythm and poetry in the film because I believe it allows the viewer a measure of distance from the subject matter, so it stops it becoming too upsetting or overwhelming and allows conversations to happen about mental health and suicide that are not potentially harmful or triggering.

The London Tree: There are a lot of symbolic items in this film which are very near to filmmakers themselves, were you in any way telling that artists are the ones who suffer the most from mental illness?

That wasn’t my intention at all, but I do think it is very interesting that you’ve seen that within it. The placement of the lead as an actor was more to show that regardless of how well it seems that someone has it together, they can still be struggling. That it can happen to anyone and we, as a community, should try to be mindful of that! That being said, in response to your question, I wanted to mention that I do think in the arts industries, or any high pressure freelance job, people are at risk because there isn’t that support net surrounding them that you have with the security of a contracted career. Of course every different path has it’s own struggles, but I think a lot of the time, with the arts, it’s young people who are still growing and sometimes it can be felt directionless, whilst piling on huge amounts of pressure to succeed and to stand out, and that can be extremely difficult to navigate. I wish there was something more within these industries to look after the mental health of the people who they champion. I would encourage anyone whose struggling to reach out for help.

The London Tree: Making a poetic film on the subject of suicide will surely bring more awareness to the problem; do you think your poetic film also brings forward a solution to it?

Florence Kosky: There’s no truly simple solution that’s offered in the film, but I hope that people who see it are kinder to those around them, and take a little moment to check in on those people they worry about. Or, for those who are struggling, I hope that there is some solace in being reminded that they are not alone, that there are places where they can go when people care. Beyond all of that, and as you have already mentioned, awareness is crucial to prevention. If through conversation, we can help to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health and suicide, I believe that people will feel less shame in asking for health and seeking professional treatment that can save lives.

The London Tree: Do you plan to make more poetic or short films on the same subject in the future?

Florence Kosky: I’m actually currently in development on my first feature film! It touches on mental illness and the difficulties of navigating a relationship when one of you is affected, but it will be told in a less than traditional way – I guess you could call it poetic!

Special thanks to the London Flair PR for making this interview possible.

INTERVIEW: Florence Kosky Talks About ALL THE WORLD’s A STAGE. INTERVIEW: Florence Kosky Talks About ALL THE WORLD’s A STAGE