“I Swear” took home the Best Leading Actor and Best Casting for the 79th British Academy Film Awards, the most prestigious and highest honour in British cinema.
But what is it about? Well, Tourette’s Syndrome.
It’s estimated that over 300,000 children and adults live with Tourette’s Syndrome in the UK, as well as celebrities like David Beckham, Lewis Capaldi, and John Davidson, to name a few.
John Davidson, a young boy from Galashiels, Scotland, is a part of the number. Davidson was 12 when he developed Tourette’s Syndrome — affecting several aspects of his life, including academics, friendships, and sports.
A documentary titled “John’s Not Mad” was released in 1989 to follow his journey at 16. He became a Scottish activist and campaigner for Tourette’s Syndrome.
In dedication to his efforts and life, “I Swear” was made.
The movie has since been nominated and won several awards, including Best Lead Performance at the British Independent Film Awards, Breakthrough Performer of the Year at the London Critics Circle Film Awards, and Best Casting in an Independent Film at the Casting Directors’ Guild Awards.
If you noticed, the wins are mostly related to the main actor, Robert Aramayo, who plays adult John Davison.
Acting as an individual with Tourette’s Syndrome isn’t easy, and he has to act it so well that it doesn’t come off as offensive.
How did he learn how to act so well that he snagged several awards in less than a year? Well, you’ll be impressed — with the entire cast too.
Here’s what the cast of “I Swear” studied, and where they pursued their education.
Where and what the cast of “I Swear” studied
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Robert Aramayo
University: Oxford School of Drama, Juilliard School
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drama)
Education status: Graduated
Peter Mullan has played parts in Riff-Raff, Shallow Grave, Braveheart, Trainspotting, My Name Is Joe, and more. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Peter Mullan
University: University of Glasgow
Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, History, and Drama
Education status: Graduated
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Maxine Peake
University: Salford College of Technology, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Degree: Two-year course in performing arts, degree in Acting
Education status: Graduated
Shirley Henderson is known for her part as Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Source: Nicolas Genin/Flickr
Shirley Henderson
University: Adam Smith College, Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London
Degree: One year in the National Certificate in Theatre Arts, Degree in Drama and Acting
Education status: Graduated
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Paul Donnelly
University: Inverclyde Academy
Degree: Unknown
Education status: Unknown
Douglas Rankine
University: Unknown
Degree: Unknown
Education status: Unknown
Adam McNamara
University: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
Degree: Unknown
Education status: Graduated
Chris Dixon
University: University of Cumbria, University of Sunderland
Degree: BA (Hons) in Film and TV Production, MA in Media Production
Education status: Graduated
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David Carlyle
University: Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance
Degree: Unknown
Education status: Graduated
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Steven Cree
University: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
Degree: Acting
Education status: Graduated
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Anthony Capaldi (Lewis Capaldi’s brother)
University: Unknown
Degree: Unknown
Education status: Unknown
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Francesco Piacentini-Smith
University: Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey
Degree: BA (Hons) in Acting
Education status: Graduated
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Gordon Peaston
University: Manchester Metropolitan University
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, majoring in Acting
Education status: Graduated
