Attila, a documentary by Lindsay native Stephen Hosier that explores mental health and social issues, debuted on the Crave streaming platform on Monday (January 22) — two days ahead of Bell Let’s Talk Day.
The debut feature documentary by the Toronto-based filmmaker follows Hosier’s childhood friend Richard Csanyi as he investigates the life and tragic death of his 28-year-old twin brother Attila. Hosier and the Csanyi brothers all grew up in Lindsay and made videos together during high school.
On May 2, 2020, police and paramedics responded to a call about a man found without vital signs on the roof of Jackson Square Mall in Hamilton, Ontario. He was pronounced dead at the scene after unsuccessful resuscitation efforts. More than a month later, he was identified as Attila Csanyi.
Prior to his death, Attila has been homeless and missing for weeks after being expelled from a long-term care residence as he grappled with addiction and schizophrenia.
In the documentary, Richard opens up to Hosier about the abuse he and his brother suffered as foster children. According to a media release about the film, Richard’s own life is also now precarious, teetering on homelessness as he navigates the systems that failed his family.
“I believe it was our lifelong friendship and the fact that we had been making videos together throughout our youth that made Richard comfortable enough to open up to me about his and Attila’s more troubled past,” Hosier told Addison Wylie shortly before the documentary’s world premiere last October at the Rendezvous With Madness festival in Toronto. “I also believe that making this film allowed Richard (and me) an opportunity to channel our grief through a creative outlet.”
VIDEO: “Attila” teaser
“Stephen gave me a voice and a platform with hopes that one day there will be justice in his name and healing in my own life, and that similar tragedies could be prevented,” Richard added.
Richard’s hopes may at least be partially realized after the provincial government announced on December 13 that an inquest will be held into Attila’s death, with the potential of the jury making recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
“Attila will be viewed by the investigating team as part of the inquest,” according to the film’s media release.
