ANY GIVEN DAY

ANY GIVEN DAY

    Price: $350.00

    Code: 2637

    A film by Margaret Byrne
    2022, 93 minutes

    In 2015, in the midst of widespread defunding of community mental health care programs across the country, in Chicago, the Cook County Jail has become a default treatment center for people living with mental illness. 

    While investigating the treatment of detainees, filmmaker Margaret Byrne meets Angela, Dimitar and Daniel, participants in a mental health court probation program. Their friendship gives each of them the courage to be seen at their most vulnerable. In turn, Margaret begins to confront one of the most difficult periods of her life, culminating in a hospitalization for depression. 

    What begins as a heartfelt desire to accurately portray the lives of Angela, Dimitar and Daniel, forces Margaret to reckon with her own history of mental illness. Margaret’s own hospitalization that occurs during the making of the film, becomes an inspiration to weave her own story into the film. Byrne’s intimate observations of the three, captures the hard-fought triumphs and struggles of living at the intersection of mental illness, poverty, and addiction.

    Filmed over five years, their stories expose a system designed for punishment, yet used as a replacement for mental health care. The absence of support takes a toll on family members and friends whom Angela, Dimitar and Daniel provide for and depend on. The resulting stigma and isolation keep them caught in cycles of victory and defeat.

    Any Given Day provides deeply personal insight into the necessity of caring relationships, especially when life is at its most difficult. 



    Subjects & Collections



    Festivals & Awards

    Honorable Mention, International Spectrum - Hot Docs 2021
    Winner, Chicago Award - Chicago International Film Festival 2021
    Winner, Grand Jury Prize Feature Documentary - Mystic Film Festival 2021
    Winner, Amplify Award - Austin’s Capital City Black Film Festival 2021




    Reviews

    "This is one of the most moving testaments to human resilience that I’ve ever seen. The very existence of the film is an act of bravery."
    - Barbara Goslawski, Frameline

    "This film is an example of the magic that happens when the camera keeps rolling, offering an unfiltered view of reality, and sticking with a subject for the long haul. It’s a deeply empathetic documentary."
     - Pat Mullen, POV Magazine

    "Arresting... an unnerving account of day-to-day, year to year recovery.”
    - Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune




    Trailer


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