Bleach

Mattias Graham

A short film exploring masculine vulnerability, and the confusing period following abuse, through the eyes of a teenage swimmer.

Mattias Graham is a settler filmmaker from Regina, Saskatchewan (Treaty 4) based in Montreal, Quebec. With a BFA, Specialization in Film Production from Concordia University (2014), his work focuses on prairie stories, power dynamics and masculinity. He also works as an editor, helping others tell their stories. He is a long-time member of the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative.

“Bleach was inspired by: my experiences playing water polo; experiences with my younger brothers; and most importantly a friend’s story. My friend was a competitive swimmer and later confided in me how they had been abused by their coach. They described this as a confusing and isolating time – and I wanted to make a film that felt truthful to a survivor’s experience. As it relates to the UnLonely project, I think the connections our main character, Damien, makes by the end of the film with his younger brother Jordan, and teammate Elijah, are important. It is nearly impossible to step away from someone when you have no one else to turn to, and despite the burden of his secret Damien does find a way to connect with others who help him in turn.”

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