This film is part of Free
Day 359
An unusual, experimental documentary filmed over Christmas at South Ockenden Psychiatric Hospital, Essex.
Overview
Day 359 is 25th December: Christmas. This curious, highly unusual film gives us an impression of how the day is spent by staff and residents of South Ockenden’s psychiatric hospital. Known locally as “The Colony” it was one of the NHS’ largest centres for patients with learning difficulties and mental health problems. Christmas, sadly, was often the highlight of the year for residents incarcerated in large "mental handicap" hospitals. Following an enquiry into institutional abuse at Ely Hospital in Cardiff in the early 1970s, almost all these institutions have now been closed down.
ie Films was the name for a pair of professional filmmakers, whose day jobs were at the National Coal Board’s Film Unit, making educational and charity films in their own time. Their South Ockenden film has a strange but fascinating low-budget, experimental feel marked by jerky camerawork, jarring edits and pieces of prose and poetry read over the images. What is the film saying about disability, institutions and seasonal celebrations? It’s not entirely obvious but the contrast with conventional feel-good films for good causes is intriguing and refreshing.
Related
NHS 75 NHS 75
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
NHS England CEO Amanda Pritchard reflects on the impact and legacy of the National Health Service in this short video produced to celebrate 75 years of the NHS.
The NHS75 Glastonbury Festival Celebration The NHS75 Glastonbury Festival Celebration
Short documentary 2023 4 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS at Glastonbury Festival.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.