"It's a mission statement."
Many may not know that the working title of this film now entitled “Five Friends” was “The Power of Male Relationships.” Not real sexy we thought, but it did carry the mission of what we were trying to illustrate. Ah yes, a mission statement, not unlike Jerry Maguire when he typed those fatal words: “The Things We Think and Do Not Say.” I recently stumbled across Hank’s original, what we’re now calling, “Man”ifesto. Because we can never resist the urge to emphasize MAN in naming things! But it’s interesting to track our initial inspiration to final film. We wrote the following before we ever shot a frame:
The Power of Male Relationships “Man”ifesto
The ability to capture and discuss the intimacy of male heterosexual relationships has been long past due. Female intimacy and bonding has been permitted, depicted, understood, accepted, popularized (Sex in the City) and provided an open forum for discussions with men and woman and between men and woman.
As we all see, hear, understand and accept the importance of intimacy between heterosexual women it seems almost purposely lacking and taboo in our society to discuss and depict male heterosexual intimacy. There is little or no significant open discussions, understanding or popularizing of the importance of heterosexual male relationships and intimacy. It is significant that there is more acceptance of homosexual male intimacy and heterosexual/homosexual intimacy than heterosexual male intimacy.
The Power Of Male Relationships Documentary
Does not portray… the stereotypes of male intimacy with men bonding in bars, on the golf course or in the office, playing or watching sports or any other traditional depicture of “men being men.” This is the true and real story of deep male intimacy between men who have known each other over time for different reasons and needs.
It does show… men’s intimate dialogues – some lasting 40 years – talking about the significance of their male relationships and how they have helped them grow, be the intimate person they are and freed them to love men. It is the power of the male intimacy that helps men heal from their various pains in life, transition to various stages of development and achieve relationships that are supportive of who they are and what they want to be.
This documentary let’s men share with other men their inner most feelings, provides a safe HAVEN without wives or other woman where men can be nurtured, nourished, understood, supported and grow. It helps men lean on woman less for their emotional needs and provides a balance between male and female intimacy.
We truly believe that the single greatest experience that would change the world is men experiencing greater intimacy between and amongst men. Male intimacy would IMPROVE the home/family environment BY CREATING A more nurturing ENVIRONMENT by both parents of their children. Male intimacy at work would create greater collaboration, a stronger focus on the customer, stronger support for woman in leadership roles and a better work-life balance. Male intimacy in government would focus on the solutions to solve real problems and conflicts and how can we all lead together for a better society, country and world. Male intimacy in education would provide different models of what “being a man” really is and can be.
The Power Of Male Relationships is a look at one of the best kept secrets in our society that heals, grows, improves and celebrates men!
So, that in mind, we’ve stayed pretty faithful to the original goal. However, the dimensions and layers that are contained in the final film are well beyond our expectations. The expert perspective, the cultural commentary and the true vulnerability portrayed by these men is startling. That is what we have heard over and over again in screenings and continue to appreciate in the contribution each of the men have made to this work that is capturing the hearts and minds of men from all walk of life. It’s interesting to see how this project has evolved, but also encouraging to know that we made good on a desire to raise this issue and see men sharing their lives in ways they never would have before.
Erik