Tourette's film nominated for six BAFTA awards

A film directed by a Bristol man which tells the story of a Tourette's campaigner has been nominated for six BAFTA awards.

The film I Swear depicts the life of John Davidson, who featured in a 1989 BBC documentary entitled John's Not Mad, which led him to become a poster boy for the condition.

Director Kirk Jones said: "It was an amazing shoot, we had an incredible amount of creative freedom."

I Swear also features Megan Sykes, a year 12 student at All Saints' Academy Cheltenham, who has Tourette's herself.

Tourette's is neurological condition involving involuntary movements and sounds called tics, which can include blinking, grimacing or making repetitive sounds.

Jones said he took a financial gamble during filming, as traditional finance sources refused to engage with him because of the amount of swearing in the film.

"I promised John I would make a film which was fair to his condition," he said.

"At the same time my wife and I had sold our house and moved back to Bristol.

"I kept looking at the money we had reserved to buy the house, and I kept looking at the film budget if we financed it ourselves.

"I went to the bank and they agreed if we put everything on the line to lend us the money.

"My wife took a few seconds to say 'if you want to do it, then lets do it','" he added.

The film is nominated for Best British Film and Best Casting among other categories.

Sykes said: "I can't quite believe it, it's otherworldly almost.

"To be part of a BAFTA-nominated film is amazing. It's so great for the Tourette's community, and we really hope this helps people have a better understanding of Tourette's."

The awards will take place in London on 22 February.

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