Exciting new film project launched on men's mental health
Pak Choi is a 10–12 minute heartfelt dramedy in collaboration with the NHS, exploring grief, loneliness, and the quiet beauty of human connection.
When Gary, a withdrawn widower, reluctantly joins a Men’s Shed gardening group, a comical rivalry with Li, a reserved Chinese gardener, slowly blossoms into an unexpected friendship. Through gentle humour and surreal memories of his late wife, Gary begins to rediscover warmth, purpose, and belonging. Set in Birmingham, the film uses the shared act of gardening—and the humble Pak Choi— as a symbol of healing, heritage, and community.
November is Men's Mental Health Month
Pak Choi is more than a story about loneliness—it’s an emotionally raw exploration of grief, memory, and the quiet unravelling of a man left behind by life. It confronts themes often avoided in media: elder male mental health, miscarriage, and the lifelong ache of unresolved loss.
In partnership with the NHS, we envision screenings at healthcare facilities, mental health centres, and community hubs. These screenings would include post-film discussions led by mental health professionals, offering a space to reflect on the themes of loneliness and connection, and provide resources for those in need of support. By integrating the film into NHS outreach, we can directly address the audience most affected by the issues presented in Pak Choi. By combining the accessibility of YouTube with the prestige of the festival circuit and the targeted outreach of NHS screenings, we aim to create a broad, lasting impact that raises awareness about loneliness and encourages meaningful conversations around mental health.
Core characters
Gary Smith A 60-year-old widower who has retreated into grief, guilt, and self neglect. He is quiet, resistant, and closed off— but under the surface lies someone deeply wounded by love lost and life unfulfilled.
Susan Smith Gary’s late wife. She was the light to his shadow: playful and full of life. Though no longer alive, her presence lingers in Gary’s memories and regrets.
Li An older Chinese man who tends the garden daily. Stoic, private, and emotionally repressed—but his love for Pak Choi and his late wife runs deep.
Championing Mental Health Awareness Through Art
The Birmingham Chinatown Business Association (BCTBA) is a non profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting businesses within Birmingham's vibrant Chinatown district. The BCTBA serves as a vital link between the local Chinese community, businesses, and the wider public, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. It organises cultural events, facilitates networking opportunities, and advocates for the interests of Chinatown businesses, while also celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the Chinese community in Birmingham. Through its efforts, the BCTBA helps maintain the area's reputation as a key destination for authentic Chinese culture, cuisine, and commerce.
