SYNOPSIS

Kwame is a dedicated male nurse who works tirelessly during nights at a mental hospital in Lisbon. When a young patient attempts suicide inside the hospital walls, it comes to the staff’s attention that the patient had access to a cell phone, against the ward’s rules. All suspicion lies on Kwame, known for his rebellious attitude. If he is to blame, not only his job is on the line, but also his principles.

INTENTION

My venture into the topic of mental illness began more than 10 years ago when I lost a friend who battled schizophrenia for years. When he went through periods of psychosis, I did not know how to help him. He was in and out of mental hospital wards and passed away only a day after being discharged.

I felt guilty. Attempting to understand his fate, I applied for a job at the same ward where he had been a patient. I got to know beautiful, broken souls who were the most resilient people I have met.

Night Shift is told through the point of view of a male nurse working inside such an institution. When dealing with the hospital’s rules towards the patients, the film contrasts Kwame’s humane but seemingly careless ideology against the more disciplined ones of his co-workers. Is his fight worth the struggle, or will it only push Kwame off the edge?