About
Featuring a cast of hand-drawn characters, A Different Kind of Different’s narrative follows protagonist, Alicia (voiced by an actor). Her story is based on interviews with people who have chosen to wear mastectomy tattoos, and on conversations with scientists and academics. With both candour and humour, Alicia reflects on life after breast cancer; from the hatred she feels towards her body, to her declaration that her post-chemo hair means she resembles Justin Timberlake (“are you fucking kidding me?”). She recounts the jolt of medical menopause, her rejection of breast reconstruction, followed by her encounter with mastectomy tattoos, and finally the realisation of her own joyful inking.
A Different Kind of Different is written by artist Jordan Baseman with writer Sally O’Reilly. Dr Becky Coles-Gale, a Clinical Health Psychologist who works across Major Trauma and Critical Care Services for the NHS in East Sussex, played a significant role in the development of the script. Other contributors include tattooist Mary Jane Haake; Professor Margot Mifflin, City University of New York; Dr John Troyer, University of Bath; and Dr Gemma Angel, University of Leicester.
The film was co-produced by Matt’s Gallery, London and Nerve Centre, Derry with executive production by Jacqui Davies. The original score is by award-winning sound artist and composer, DIE HEXEN.
A free publication with texts by writer and researcher Maeve Connolly and Jordan Baseman will be available at future physical screenings. Please direct enquiries to info@mattsgallery.org
A Different Kind of Different is funded by a Public Engagement Award from Wellcome, with additional support from Matt’s Gallery, the Royal College of Art, London, and Nerve Centre. Matt’s Gallery is supported by Arts Council England.
Research Participants: Alicia Duncan, Inga Duncan Thornell, Char Breshgold, Kathleen Shelton, Daisy Schmidt, Susan Wilde, Carrie Lamb, Linda Gomez, Mary-Jane Haake, Vyvyn LaZonga, Stephanie Tamez, Professor Margot Mifflin, Dr. Gemma Angel, Dr. John Troyer, Dr. Becky Coles-Gale
Public Engagement Consultant: Natalie Craven
Project Assistant: Alice Cocks
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