Lindsay native Stephen Hosier has been recognized with a national award by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Health and Mental Illness (CAMIMH) for his debut feature documentary that explores mental health and social issues.
The Toronto-based filmmaker and photographer is one of seven recipients of CAMIMH’s 2024 Champions of Mental Health Awards announced on Thursday (August 21). Hosier was recognized in the media category for his 2024 film Atilla, which is now streaming on Crave.
In the film, Hosier follows his childhood friend Richard Csanyi as Richard 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. It was later determined he died from an accidental drug overdose.
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.
Soon after the documentary was released, a coroner’s inquest was called into Attila’s death. Held over two weeks in April, the inquest concluded with the coroner’s jury issuing 21 recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths, including that the Ontario government and City of Hamilton conduct a “comprehensive review” of residential care facilities in the city.
VIDEO: “Attila” teaser
“Recognizing the outstanding efforts of those who passionately advocate for comprehensive mental health and substance use care is crucial,” said CAMIMH co-chair Anthony Esposti in a media release.
“Mental health is fundamental to the well-being of Canadians, which is why each year we honour those making a tangible impact in this vital area. Now more than ever, it’s essential to spotlight the advocacy work happening at all levels, from local communities to the national stage.”
The six other Champions of Mental Health Award recipients are Serena Habib, who received the Sharon Johnston Champion of Mental Health Award for Youth, Jason Arneson for workplace mental health, Brighter Futures (Roxanne Pottle) for community organization, Elder Noel Milliea for community individual, MP Matt Jeneroux for parliamentarian, and La Fondation CERVO (Maryse Beaulieu) for innovation, researcher or clinician. More information about the award recipients is available at camimh.ca/2024-champions-of-mental-health.
The award recipients were nominated by their peers, colleagues, friends, and community members in honour of their mental and substance use health advocacy. Applications were evaluated by the CAMIMH selection committee, which includes individuals from member organizations including health care professionals and individuals with lived or living experience, their families, and caregivers.
The 2024 Champions of Mental Health Award recipients will be celebrated at an event held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on October 10, coinciding with the observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Established in 1998, CAMIMH is an alliance of national mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. Each year, the alliance recognizes seven Canadians whose work has helped to advance the mental health agenda across the country.
