Chimaira’s Mark Hunter and director Nick Cavalier met last year when they were both on a panel about mental health and creativity during the Acting Out! festival that took place here in Cleveland.
After hearing Hunter’s story, Cavalier, who helmed Forced Perspective, a documentary about local graphic artist Derek Hess, asked Hunter about doing a short film about Hunter's ability to cope with mental illness. The resulting film, Down Again, documents the local metal band’s rise and fall and Hunter’s ability to deal with his illness. It comes out on Oct. 10 as a free download.
"I have dealt with depression and bipolar for a good part of my life," says Hunter in a press release about the film. "It's probably safe to say that most Chimaira fans understand that the band's music, lyrics, and live performances were my cathartic outlet. I was a bit apprehensive [to do this documentary] at first. Not because I am unwilling to share my story, but more so because there are thousands of people infinitely more interesting than me. And worse off than me. But in the end, I am thankful to have been a part of this short documentary. It captured an extremely critical moment in time. I hope the viewers of our film will take away a story of healing and feel the impact of dealing with mental health issues head-on."
The documentary also includes video footage of the band's Christmas show that took place last year at the Agora.
"This is not a story about Chimaira, although fans of the band will be excited to see familiar faces and hear some of their favorite songs," says Hunter. "The audience will get a glimpse into my personality and how I use art to better deal with the harder moments of life."
In addition to direction of photography by Tyler Clark, the film also features a live audio mix by Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold.
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