The Directors: Anthony

The Directors: Marcus

The Directors: Mark

The Directors: Lucy

The Directors: Stephen

The Directors...

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What's Going On? Anthony

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I have a melting pot of diagnoses: Psychosis with Capgras Delusion (imposter syndrome) linked to polysubstance misuse with a secondary behavioural disorder; autism; ADHD; severe depressive episodes and personality disorder with three types of trait sets (schizotypal, emotionally unstable and paranoid). At my worst, attempting to take my own life by overdose, has left me with life-long pain management and mobility issues. I honestly do not know where my inner strength comes from but there is fire in my heart with a determination like no other and a belief in rehabilitation and recovery. 

My film documents the difficulties I faced in my home environment; the relationship with my mother and past difficulties in navigating my place in society. The feeling of only being viewed within the context of mental health is intolerable. Opportunities will not knock on my door. Going out into the world is scary, yet exhilarating and exciting. 

I am supported by my Care Coordinator, Community Mental Health Team and ADHD clinic. Over the years I have had at least ten admissions to hospital, including forensic services, nine of which were sections. I have had numerous psychiatry and psychology input, nursing care and supported housing placements. I am currently waiting to move into independent accommodation through my local authority. 

Council estate life, mental ill health, foster care, prison and addiction can affect anyone. I have personal experience of all of these, stemming from the social background I was born into. I am now aged 34 and have physical mobility issues. From an estate in Bermondsey, I moved around the southeast of London. Having a criminal past made it incredibly difficult for me to obtain work opportunities. I was unfortunately diagnosed late in life with neurodivergence, consisting of both Autism and ADHD. As an ex- offender having lived experience of prison, probation, the courts and forensic mental health settings, I have a thirst to feel truly reintegrated into society, being fulfilled academically and in a career, leading a useful life. 

Who better than those with lived experience to gain entry to leadership roles when it comes to building rapport and offering supportive tools and pathways that can lead to rehabilitation and gateways to build a safer society. 

In the past year I have managed to do four paid jobs, a voluntary role and achieve five qualifications. I am still working two jobs and studying Access to HE Criminology. I am hurtling towards a place at university and a bright future where anything is possible - I am making it happen

Anthony's story

The Directors is a collaboration between artist Marcus Coates and five individuals in recovery from different lived experiences of psychosis.

Artangel's Associate Director Michael Morris interviewed each Director on set. These audio files record their thoughts and feelings about the process of production.

The Directors Interview: Anthony by Artangel

After the film was shot, Michael Morris interviewed Anthony on set, capturing the director's thoughts and feelings on the process of production

Audio interview

Anthony and Marcus Coates discuss the making of The Directors: Anthony (2022).

Commissioned by Artangel.

Find out more at artangel.org.uk/project/the-directors

Anthony and Marcus Coates on the set of The Directors: Anthony

After the film was shot, Anthony and Marcus Coates engage in a conversation on set, capturing their immediate reflections on their experiences.