This movie is a brilliant representation of both the political situation in a certain part of the world at that time AND mental illnesses inside out. It intertwines the two into a story that captures what the reality of a lot of ordinary people used to be back then, stuff we never actually get to see in movies. Even a slight hereditary mental illness could grow and devour a person completely in such a toxic environement. I'd recommend the movie to anybody who wants to see a fresh aproach on the topic in a beautifully executed form.

This animated film is nearly a documentary about Baumane's family's history of mental illness—particularly suicidal depression, but told in a remarkably frank and surprisingly humorous way. Her accounts of her own depression and the personal, details of the experiences of her family are very honest and interesting. The remainder of the film, though, is somewhat uneven, spending a lot of time on seemingly inconsequential family history and on her eldest kin's stonewalling that haunts more recent generations. Nonetheless, in totality, it paints a remarkable picture. (Note that this review is also posted to my blog.)

This afternoon at the Palm Springs International Film Festival I saw this wonderful film. Signe Baumane is a gifted animator and storyteller, integrating her family's story with events in Latvian history. Every family has skeletons in the closet, and Signe's is no exception. The difference is that she tells us the story of mental illness in her family as if she is talking to a close and trusted friend. Her approach uses humor and a realistic approach which draws us in and helps us to gain a better understanding of the challenges she and others in her family have faced. This is a brave and touching story, and an important story to share with others. Signe - congratulations on an outstanding film!

Mental illness is a hot button issue these days. We pretend to address it but if we're being honest, we continue to sweep it under the rug. In a brand new film by writer/director Signe Baumane, we follow the true story of her familiar heritage, specifically with undiagnosed bouts of severe depression. Created in an animation of mixed media forms, Rocks In My Pockets is a visually stunning masterpiece. Baumane narrates each individual story, illustrating the ignorance and fragility of those who "feel too much." There is an aura of bedtime story or campfire lore while in the same instance, education and awareness being brought to life. The uniqueness of the animation allows Baumane to take visual liberties in her storytelling. It's like watching one long, extremely vivid dream. It is an important film in a time where far too many people are being over or under medicated. It may be a gateway to a greater understanding and tolerance of what we do yet have a grasp on. Most likely, each one of us is directly affected by mental illness. It is a beautiful conversation starter.