Breaking British-Indian Taboo: Filmmaker Highlights Mother’s Battle with Alcoholism
Filmmaker Maleena Pone presents a candid view of addiction in her new documentary, “Saving Mum: Our Family Secret.” The film focuses on her mother’s struggles with alcoholism, which escalated after the death of Maleena’s younger brother, Gavin, from leukaemia when she was just 12 years old.
Breaking the Silence on Alcoholism in British-Indian Communities
For years, Maleena and her family dealt with the stigma surrounding addiction in their Punjabi community. Growing up, Maleena felt compelled to hide her mother Jas’s drinking from those outside the family. The fear of judgment led her to adopt a façade of normalcy while the reality was much more complex.
Maleena’s father passed away from a heart attack 12 years ago, which further deepened the family’s challenges. This isolation fueled Maleena’s determination to share their story through film, breaking the cycle of silence. At 40 years old, she has bravely embarked on this journey, aiming to shed light on maternal addiction within South Asian families.
Documenting a Personal Journey
“Saving Mum: Our Family Secret” was produced to foster understanding among viewers grappling with similar issues. The documentary air on Channel 4 and aims to connect audiences with the raw realities of addiction. Maleena highlights the need to address mental health and addiction, especially among Asian women, noting that recent NHS statistics show a 38% increase in alcohol consumption among Indian women.
- Documentary Title: Saving Mum: Our Family Secret
- Airing Network: Channel 4
- Filmmaker: Maleena Pone
- Key Subject: Mother’s alcoholism
- Statistics: 38% of Indian women engaging in drinking
Maleena’s relationship with her mother is central to the film. She decided to direct the documentary to create a safe space for her mother to confront her addiction without family judgment. The documentary showcases a deeply personal ayahuasca ceremony in Costa Rica, which served as a point of healing between them.
The film portrays both the struggles and small victories in their relationship. Despite Jas’s ongoing journey with alcohol, she has begun to embrace self-care practices and therapeutic support to seek healthier coping mechanisms. Maleena emphasizes that recovery is not a straight path; it’s a journey filled with both hope and challenges.
A Message of Hope and Understanding
Through her storytelling, Maleena aims to connect with others facing similar challenges, encouraging them to seek help and foster community support. The film also addresses the societal stigma that perpetuates silence around addiction. She shared that revealing personal struggles can serve to break the shame cycle and inspire change.
In reflecting on her experience, Maleena acknowledges that while she cannot save her mother, the act of creating this film was both a form of healing for herself and a way to support her mother. As they navigate their evolving relationship, Maleena hopes that viewers can see their own complexities and truths mirrored in their story.
“Saving Mum: Our Family Secret” challenges the narrative surrounding addiction and strives to foster empathy and understanding within British-Indian communities. It encourages an honest dialogue about mental health and the profound impacts of addiction on families.
