The Face | Learning To Feel | A short film by Jackson Payne and Jack Layfield

Jackson Payne and Jack Layfield’s new short film, Learning To Feel, focuses on the life and experiences of London-based artist Tan Gillies. Over a poignant six minutes, we learn about Gillies’ long road to curing his debilitating anxiety, first through weed – a temporary fix, it turned out – and then prescription drugs, namely valium, which he ended up getting seriously addicted to.

Putting paintbrush to canvas has helped Gillies escape a childhood marred by bouts of domestic violence, mental health struggles and, of course, substance abuse. Learning To Feel forms an authentic portrayal of such a brutal rollercoaster, celebrating Gillies’ resilience and art, while shining a light on how damaging and addictive prescription drugs can be, especially for young people who are already struggling.

Now, Gillies is in therapy and has learned how to feel – properly – by taking things slow. Making art, most of which is inspired by his experiences, is a process that’s helped him find unbridled hope and strength.
“First and foremost, addiction is a disease,” Payne says. “I’ve lost a few friends to it and the subject just felt right to explore. The main takeaway for me, when talking to Tan, is that there’s always a way out, a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s easy to say and hard to make happen, but it’s possible. Opening up and talking to your friends is the first step.”


CREDITS
Directed by Jack Layfield and Jackson Payne
Produced by Jackson Payne
Shot and edited by Jack Layfield
Colour by Isabelle Payne
Sound design by Harry Springall
Film processed by on8mil