MAKE ME A MAN is a one hour documentary which has the intention of inspiring men to be open with their emotions and share their story. It is the first collaborative work by Vietnamese-French visual philosopher and film director Mai Hua and avant-garde psychotherapist Jerry Hyde.

Originally called MEETINGS WITH REMARKABLE MEN, over three years of production has resulted in its final incarnation titled MAKE ME A MAN. Incorporating members of Hyde’s men’s group practice this unique film addresses gender, masculinity, mental health and humanity through its intimate stories.

Moving between the Somme battlefields in France and in depth talking head interviews, we see and hear the inner and outer struggles and triumphs of these men, some of whom have been working with Hyde for over 20 years. Demonstrating the power of brotherhood and trust in one another the film shows the transformative power of camaraderie.

Made from the perspective of both a man and a woman, the hope is that the film will lead to a significant increase in the number of men looking to set up and attend men’s groups. The therapeutic benefits of telling your story and sharing your feelings in a safe space are well documented but men are often reluctant to reach out for help, attend traditional therapy sessions or accept that they could improve their emotional and mental health due to the sexist view of masculinity that still maintains men should be strong, silent and hide their vulnerability.