This month, we are screening I Me Us - an intimate and moving portrayal of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals living in Cumbria.
I Me Us | Paddy Sweeney | 2025 | Documentary | 63 mins | UK | English | 12A
The documentary features deeply personal stories from local residents, including Mason, who shares his journey of transitioning and the emotional moment when his brother offered him shirts in a gesture of support. “If just one person can see the film and feel more comfortable, or happy in themselves, then I've done enough,” Mason said.
Producer Debbie Sweeney highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in rural areas like Cumbria, where prejudice and isolation can be more pronounced. “Somewhere like Cumbria, there's a lot of prejudice and they maybe find it hard to fit in, so it's nice that we can produce a film like this,” she said.
Director Paddy Sweeney praised the courage of participants who shared their stories on camera, noting that some initially withdrew due to fears about visibility and potential repercussions. “It takes real bravery to speak your truth, especially in a small community,” he said.
