1hr 36 mins, Director: Andrew Wilson

English Language with English Subtitles

apples is apples is a feature length documentary about Chilli Studios, a creative service for adults who are experiencing various forms of social exclusion.

The documentary is an intimate insight into this diverse group which undermines clinical diagnostic terms and their associated stigma, by refusing to adopt or circulate their language. The result is a rare and honest movie set to a compelling soundtrack recorded by members of the studio themselves.

apples is apples is the culmination  of  a  year-long collaborative  project,  between  Chilli Studio’s  members,  staff and artist Andrew Wilson.

FILM REVIEW:

apples is apples | Castle Keep screening, Newcastle

Michael Hunter, 25th May, 2015

I wasn't actually invited, I blagged my way in. I was searching Facebook and the almighty WWW for juicy tit bits for me and my lovely Spike mike minions to attend and publish to the world whatever artistic flair holds within it. Upon coming across this event I was immediately struck by the wonderful words, stories and hope from this profit free organisation. Definitely something that I wanted to get my teeth into.

Chilli Studios (formerly Newcastle and Gateshead Art Studios) based in The Blackfriars Centre on Newbridge Street provide an innovative range of creative based services that are directed at improving and enhancing the quality of life, health and social integration of its members. A creative service for adults who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, diagnosed mental health problems and other forms of social exclusion. Well this certainly bore its fruits when I met the founder Bob Malpiedi and his team. His passion for this cause is overwhelming. The down to earth approach affixed to the users at Chilli again came solidly shining through with the screening of Andrew Wilson's portrayal 'apples is apples' 

This film, for me anyways, throws away the deep dark clouds that are associated with depression and mental health, it puts a lovely warm and cuddly silver sheen on it. Filmed, yes to highlight Chilli Studios, but this is all about the characters, warm, funny, inventive souls that have massively benefited from this service.

The film had the invited crowd laughing, sighing and clapping along. Did it feel strange laughing along to people with mental health problems?  Not at all, we were laughing with them, the apples is apples trailer that I have hopefully embedded correctly will show you this. The film in time will be getting released on dvd and link through their website.

A brilliant brilliant hours worth of social documentary.

I have been really inspired by the whole ethos of Chilli Studios and I will certainly be paying them a visit to offer my thanks/help.

Why don’t you do the same..?? 

apples is apples | Chilli Studios Member Comments

Michael: “The final film was entertaining and really brought home how important NAGAS is and how we (members) can be ourselves and how when we’re here we do not have to put an act on”

Hanna: “Cohesion, it has brought the group together, opening up conversation between members (within the service) and non-members (outside of the studio) that would not have occurred otherwise. You cannot easily tell who is staff and who is not, It would be good to show it (the film) to more people”

Logie: “The film highlights the everyday things we take for granted, the development of confidence through experimentation, and makes you think what would happen to these people if this place closed”

Selma: “Without services like NAGAS, people on benefits, who are un-fit for work, are forced to live like a vagrant. The film is a good example of these day centres, specific to NAGAS”

Jon: “The film shows the uniqueness of the place, and makes it apparent how the group supports each other with peer support in ways that are unlike therapy”

Hanna: “The film brought the group together more, introducing individuals to one another. Its easier to talk to other members after the film (project) because we belong, we feel more together, more joint together as a group having been part of this together. The film feels contains much more like peoples opinions rather than a forced interview scenario. It felt what was said was not a response to a prescribed question but an honest, un-rehearsed candid approach”

Logie: “The film highlights the everyday things we take for granted, the development of confidence through experimentation, and makes you think what would happen to these people if this place closed. It shows that the group are not no-hopers, not scroungers, that we are doing something and that we do have something to offer society, despite our mental health problems”

Michael: “The film has potential to teach people outside about NAGAS, and about learning difficulties”