Experiencing Interruptions?

Weighed Down

Isaac Kenyon, a British endurance athlete and mental health survivor, made history as the first person to complete a full-distance Ironman in North Devon's stunning scenery while wearing a 15kg weighted vest. This incredible feat symbolises the invisible burdens men carry due to societal expectations, cost of living crisis, toxic masculinity, and fear of sharing their feelings, which often force them into silence. Through his powerful journey, Isaac calls for open conversations about mental health, urging all to break the silence and lift the weight of their struggles as a sign of strength rather than weakness, reversing toxic masculinity and inspiring change.

  • Daniel Williams
    Director
  • Isaac Kenyon
    Writer
  • Isaac Kenyon
    Producer
  • Isaac Kenyon
    Key Cast
  • Daniel Williams
    Editor
  • Isaac Kenyon
    Screenplay & Story
  • Daniel Williams
    Screenplay & Story
  • Daniel Williams
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Mental Health, Adventure, Trail Running, Endurance, IronMan, Triathlon, Swimming, Cycling
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 17 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 10, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 1080p
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Travel Beyond Film Festival TBFF
    Toronto
    Canada
    February 7, 2025
    Canada Premiere
    Best Documentary Subject/Profile and Best 1st Time Filmmaker
  • Tiny Gatherings Festival
    Dartmoor
    United Kingdom
    August 17, 2025
Director Biography - Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams is an outdoor industry professional, who freelances as an adventure photographer. Operating with the mantra of capturing adventures big and small with purpose. Daniel has collaborated across the adventure sports sector working with brands such as Brecca Gower, Harrogate Spring Water, Sierra Designs and The Mammut Mountain School.

With a passion for bespoke adventures, Daniel has had the pleasure of working alongside unique purposeful film projects such as Atlantic Discovery (40 day unsupported Atlantic Row crossing for multiple sclerosis charity) and Pedal for Parks (a world-first eco-adventure for UK National Parks environmental conservation) traversing environments from the sea to the summit. Regardless of the adventure or environmental conditions Daniel, given the opportunity, will be there; camera in hand encapsulating the story in stills and motion.

Primarily a photographer, Daniel has a diverse portfolio of capturing adventures as a moment in time. Believing that still imagery translates as a foundation to motion, Daniel has furthered his career by developing a skillset of camera operation, drone piloting and video production.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Highlighting an issue currently plaguing men's mental health, Weighed Down aims to raise awareness for the plight of mental health during the cost of living crisis here in the UK. A story about the courage to speak up for mental health and listen to those struggling as well as building resilience through the adversity of adventure/endurance challenge. Tne Weighed Down project uses the symbol of physical weight as a personification of the burden that men carry in their heads and their hearts when not speaking out about their mental health issues. Conversely the weight becomes heavier over time until breaking point which is what happens in the Ironman as Isaac becomes weaker whilst carrying the weight until he can't do it anymore at the end of the marathon run and then would let go of the weight, releasing him from his struggles.

On a personal level, what drew me to the project was the uniqueness and symbolism embodied in Weighed Down. Whilst the challenge of an Ironman is already a test of physical and mental strength. To attempt one wearing a 15KG weighted vest throughout the entire endeavour is not only a world first but a literal embodiment of overcoming being weighed down in both muscle and bone, mind and determination.

Often, it is hard to relate to individuals suffering from their own mental health battles as one is not inside their mind. Mental health is invisible to many. To those who haven’t experienced similar issues, it’s hard to empathise with. This could be considered vague by the inexperienced, such as myself. Weighed Down provides a literal, physical embodiment of those suffering. Visually easy to understand and relate to. To some degree this is a reason why I am honoured to be a part of this project, to be weighted down is something we can all relate to and something we can all work together to remove the weight.

My parents have forever been my heroes, NHS mental health workers who worked tirelessly over the last 30 years to improve the lives of citizens in the UK suffering from their own battles. Whilst my career hasn’t taken me down the route to help individuals suffering from mental health directly, Weighed Down has provided me an opportunity to contribute in some way and ultimately honour the work of my folks.

Visually, there are three main aspects of the film. The emotive story of our protagonist who shares his own experiences to altruistically highlight the issues he has suffered. The demanding physical activity of a world first, embarking on an ironman with a 15KG weighted vest. And ultimately more poignantly the physical embodiment of the story itself - overcoming being weighed down.