A YOUNG Cornish filmmaker is hoping his debut film can shine a light on men’s mental health as he prepares for his premiere.

Callum Smith moved to Bude with his family in 2011, when he joined Budehaven Community School where he was able to explore his creative side, studying for his GCSEs and A-levels in Art and Photography. Now, 15 years later, at the age of 24, he is set to release his directorial debut, set in the very town that helped shape its story.

The short film, ‘Restless Mind’, follows Calvin, a man in his mid-20s, as he navigates the day after a breakup that has completely shifted his sense of direction. Callum says that while the story is rooted in the end of a relationship, the emotions explored go far beyond that. The film tackles loss, identity, isolation, and the pressure to keep moving forward.

Restless Mind, Bude FIlm
In the quiet aftermath of a life-changing loss, Calvin retreats inward as grief and isolation begin to take hold. After a couple of weeks, he reaches out to an estranged friend for support, leading to a conversation that changes everything (Callum Smith)

Now, Callum has announced that the film is set for its first showing and will be screened at Rebel Cinema on Monday, November 30.

Speaking to us, Callum explained: “For me, this screening is about much more than showing a film. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of men’s mental health, encourage open conversations and help people feel seen through my own story brought to screen. I’m particularly keen to reach people in Cornwall who might benefit from its message, while also supporting local independent cinema, such as Rebel Cinema. A place I’ve been visiting ever since I was a young teen.

“Rebel Cinema has been incredibly supportive and welcoming in hosting the film, and I’m very grateful for their willingness to help bring this conversation to a local audience. Following the screening, we’re planning a Q&A session to discuss the film, its production and the themes it explores, alongside a broader conversation about men’s mental health.”

Going on sale on October 14, the event has already proved incredibly popular, with 70 per cent of tickets having already sold out.

“The support from the local community has been equally encouraging,” Callum continued. “I’ve been approaching shop owners and businesses in and around Bude to ask whether they’d be willing to display flyers and help spread the word about the screening. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s been genuinely rewarding to see local businesses come together to support both an independent film and the important message behind it.”

With the film making its way through the festival circuit, and having already received multiple awards, Callum is already looking ahead to the next stages for the film.

He explained; “Looking ahead, my ambition is to use this screening as a springboard to bring Restless Mind to more cinemas and audiences across Cornwall and beyond, with the longer-term goal of securing a streaming release. I want the film to be accessible to anyone who might find comfort, reassurance or hope in its message, regardless of where they live. At its heart, Restless Mind explores the difficulties many men face when expressing their emotions and reaching out for support, while highlighting the difference that one honest conversation can make. If the film encourages even one person to open up when they otherwise might have remained silent, then I believe it has achieved something meaningful.”