Experiencing Interruptions?

Horsepower

Synopsis: Ian, a young farrier haunted by lifelong battles with his mental health, discovers a profound sanctuary in the gentle presence of his horses, embarking on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing.

  • Jessica Londono
    Director
  • Jessica Londono
    Writer
  • Jessica Londono
    Producer
  • Mahmudul Raz
    Producer
  • David Vincent Smith
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Revelation Film Festival Closing Night
    Perth
    Australia
    July 16, 2023
    Australian Premiere
  • CinefestOZ Opening Night
    Margaret River
    Australia
    September 3, 2024
    Official Selection
  • Russian Mental Health Film Festival.

    Russian Federation
    October 7, 2024
    Russia Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Greenwich Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    September 19, 2024
    United Kingdom Premier
    Official Selection
  • MLC Scene Awards Gala in Wisconsin USA
    Wisconsin
    United States
    August 11, 2024
    North American Premiere
    Award Winner
  • EQUUS Film & Arts Fest
    Albuquerque New Mexico
    United States
    November 16, 2024
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jessica Londono

Jessica London is a multifaceted filmmaker with a passion for visual storytelling, currently based in Western Australia. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and a background in cinema, advertising, and business management, she has honed her skills as a creative producer with two of Colombia's most prominent film media companies, 64A Films and RCN.

Embracing the role of an emerging director, Jessica seizes every opportunity to explore and expand her creativity. Her recent directing highlights include splinter directing the Screenwest funded feature He Ain't Heavy, producing, splinter directing, and editing Lies Within Us, her feature-lenght project The Weight of Silence recently received development funding from Screenwest.

Recent highlights in her directorial work include Horsepower, a short documentary currently in its festival run, and E-MUM, which explores the intersection of human emotion and artificial intelligence, starring the talented Australian Actress Emma Jackson. Additionally, The Journey Within, a short documentary about her spiritual quest with Ayahuasca in Colombia, is in post-production.

Known for crafting visually striking and emotionally resonant content, Jessica excels in creating immersive cinematic experiences and leading collaborative teams, always committed to cinematic excellence.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As the director of HORSEPOWER, I set out to explore the profound connection between humans and horses, particularly in the context of men's mental health. Through the lens of Ian, a young farrier battling his mental health, we witness the transformative power of this bond.

HORSEPOWER is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing potential found in unexpected places. Through Ian's retreat with his horses, we see how his relationship with them becomes a source of strength, offering him a sanctuary where he can find peace and purpose.

I embarked on this journey with a heartfelt belief in the transformative power of storytelling. I aimed to create a film where audiences could witness Ian's journey and reflect on their own experiences with mental health. By shining a light on Ian's struggles and triumphs, I hope to foster empathy, understanding, and conversation around men's mental health—an often overlooked and stigmatised topic.

As a filmmaker who has struggled with postnatal depression and experienced the weight of silence that many individuals face, I felt a deep empathy for Ian and his journey. Like postnatal depression, men's mental health conditions are stigmatised, poorly understood, and misrepresented. This shared struggle has driven me to continue this crucial conversation, to challenge stigma, and to pave the way for understanding and support.

At its core, "HORSEPOWER" celebrates resilience, connection, and the healing power of working with horses. It's a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and the possibility of finding solace in unexpected places.

I am immensely proud of the team that brought this documentary to life and grateful for Ian's courage in sharing his story. I hope this film serves as a beacon of light for anyone struggling and inspires conversations that lead to greater awareness and support for men's mental health.