Stay Updated

We're excited to keep you in the loop on all things Frameline (with no spam - ever!)

Long Live My Happy Head

Directed by Austen McCowan & Will Hewitt2022UK88 mins

Funny, poignant, and profound, Long Live My Happy Head introduces us to the unique talent, understated wit, and unenviable journey of Gordon Shaw, a Scottish comic book artist who is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in his early 30s. Not the least bit self-pitying but with puckish humor and admirable honesty, Gordon allows the film to accompany him and his long-distance true love Shawn—a sweet American living in Virginia—as they navigate the fragile rollercoaster of health challenges and caregiving amid the onset of COVID.

Gordon’s understated bemusement and inherent comic brilliance leaven the medical scenario with surprising moments that illuminate the realities of living with a terminal illness. In one scene, Gordon turns the relentless, overbearing sounds of an MRI scanner into a danceable soundtrack. Through his smart and funny artwork, Gordon finds an imaginative way to communicate what he’s feeling inside. Despite the ominous subject matter, this brave and somehow inspiring film shines light and love into a world immersed in intense human challenges.

Expected Guests

William Hewitt
Co-Director
Austen McCowan
Co-Director
Susan Chang
Guest
Justin Hall
Guest
Quick links
Sponsor
Director
Austen McCowan & Will Hewitt
Year
2022
Country
UK
Running Time
88 mins
Language
English
Section
Streaming, Documentary Features, Captioned Films (Streaming)
Program Note Writer
Brendan Peterson
Copyright 2022 Frameline. All rights reservedSite by ED.

Stay Updated

We're excited to keep you in the loop on all things Frameline (with no spam - ever!)