Rocks in My Pockets

This is one of the most important films of our generation. A must-see. A stunning, rich, poignant piece which exposes issues that no other filmmakers have been brave enough to address. Watching it is like having a window into the minds of writers and artists who we have lost to depression and suicide- the contrast of the fight for survival, living with enhanced sensitivity, and struggling with the often cruel and icy world in which one is expected to thrive. It is a masterfully-woven visual story; comedic at times, captivating, and filled with tears and wonder. The gift of hearing the film-maker's voice throughout the movie reminds you that there is, indeed, living hope. One of the few films I am looking forward to purchasing and handing down to the next generation.

Mental illness is a hot button issue these days. We pretend to address it but if we're being honest, we continue to sweep it under the rug. In a brand new film by writer/director Signe Baumane, we follow the true story of her familiar heritage, specifically with undiagnosed bouts of severe depression. Created in an animation of mixed media forms, Rocks In My Pockets is a visually stunning masterpiece. Baumane narrates each individual story, illustrating the ignorance and fragility of those who "feel too much." There is an aura of bedtime story or campfire lore while in the same instance, education and awareness being brought to life. The uniqueness of the animation allows Baumane to take visual liberties in her storytelling. It's like watching one long, extremely vivid dream. It is an important film in a time where far too many people are being over or under medicated. It may be a gateway to a greater understanding and tolerance of what we do yet have a grasp on. Most likely, each one of us is directly affected by mental illness. It is a beautiful conversation starter.

I got this film because I watched the 2022 My Love Affair with Marriage, which is the same animation style and the same narration and which I liked a lot. This one is not as fun, but it's just as good. It's honest, it's raw, but also funny in a strange way, that thing which happens when someone is overly sincere and you can't help but be amused. This one focused on a family in which mental illness is common, narrated by someone who has similar symptoms.

What might put you off is the simplistic drawing and/or the Latvian accent narration of a text. It's basically someone reading a short story with an animation in the background. But the text is good, I really enjoyed Signe's voice and accent and the animation is inspired. The subject of the story is, yet again (can I use that for the first film? Well, who cares, it's the second one I've seen), the personal life of a female character from Latvia, I assume inspired by Baumane's own experience.

I recommend both films.

This afternoon at the Palm Springs International Film Festival I saw this wonderful film. Signe Baumane is a gifted animator and storyteller, integrating her family's story with events in Latvian history. Every family has skeletons in the closet, and Signe's is no exception. The difference is that she tells us the story of mental illness in her family as if she is talking to a close and trusted friend. Her approach uses humor and a realistic approach which draws us in and helps us to gain a better understanding of the challenges she and others in her family have faced. This is a brave and touching story, and an important story to share with others. Signe - congratulations on an outstanding film!

This movie is a brilliant representation of both the political situation in a certain part of the world at that time AND mental illnesses inside out. It intertwines the two into a story that captures what the reality of a lot of ordinary people used to be back then, stuff we never actually get to see in movies. Even a slight hereditary mental illness could grow and devour a person completely in such a toxic environement. I'd recommend the movie to anybody who wants to see a fresh aproach on the topic in a beautifully executed form.