FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cornwall, UK – A new documentary, The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay, will be featured at this year’s Kendal Mountain Festival, showcasing the unseen world of Cornish underground explorers. Directed by filmmaker Dan Simpkins, the film follows the adventures of the Carbis Bay Crew, a tight-knit group of men who find solace and community in exploring abandoned Cornish mines. The film, which has been submitted to over 20 film festivals, sheds light on the complex issue of men’s mental health and the power of shared experiences.
Filmed over two years, The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay is a visually stunning project that captures the lives of everyday people. Simpkins, who draws inspiration from Cornwall’s people and landscape, spent months embedded in the world of the Carbis Bay Crew. “Cornwall is where I’ve always felt most creatively connected,” says Simpkins. “This documentary is about more than just a hobby – it’s about the complexities of masculinity, the search for purpose, and the importance of community.”
The film’s subjects are not your typical thrill-seekers. They are working-class men, full of humor and character, who find a rare space for reflection and camaraderie in the mines. In a society where men’s mental health remains a quiet crisis, the film offers a raw and authentic look at how shared risk and time underground become a powerful form of therapy and connection.
“They deflect with banter, but being underground demands presence,” explains Simpkins. “Their life literally depends on it as they abseil, climb, and crawl through the perilous mines. This forces them into the moment, away from the pressures of daily life.”
Simpkins admits feeling nervous about showing the film to the men of the Carbis Bay Crew, as he wanted to portray their world with honesty and respect. However, the group’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive at the cast screening. For many, it was the first time their families truly understood why they spent hours underground. The screening opened up conversations within the group and beyond, reinforcing the film’s central message: behind the banter and bravado lies a powerful story of connection, strength, and unspoken support. Pat from the explorers’ group shares, “I’d like people to take away that the reasons for these strange pastimes might be far more complex than you originally might imagine. The documentary is now like a time capsule; we’ll all be able to look back on a snapshot in time. None of us are getting any younger and we’ll have this beautiful record.”
The motivation for creating The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay stems from Simpkins’ personal experiences with mental health challenges. Witnessing firsthand the silent struggles many men endure, he saw these subterranean expeditions, led by a group of local men, as more than just adventures – they served as therapeutic escapes.
Recognizing the profound impact of shared experiences on mental well-being, Simpkins partnered with MANUP?, an organization that challenges stigma and encourages men to speak openly about mental health. Together, the film and partnership aim to spark deeper conversations around masculinity, vulnerability, and the power of community. CEO and Founder Dan Somers shares, “The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay captures what we see at MANUP? That real connection doesn’t always happen in a therapy room. It happens in the quiet, the risk, the humor between men who feel unseen. Projects like this don’t just raise awareness, they show men they’re not broken – they just haven’t been heard yet.”
Producer Kirsty Malcolm joined The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay to expand its reach and support production. With a background in storytelling from her work at Roll Nine Productions, Malcolm has a talent for drawing out emotion and meaning from real-life stories. The themes of the film strike a deeply personal chord for her and reflect exactly the kind of story she’s passionate about telling – raw, human, and quietly heroic. “This story is full of heart, humor, and humanity, and I know it will resonate with many people. As someone who lost their father to mental health struggles, I know just how crucial it is that we speak openly, honestly, and without shame. I hope this film encourages more men to share their fears, hopes, and dreams – and reminds them that their ordinary lives are often extraordinary, especially in the eyes of those who love them, even when they can’t see it themselves.”
Editor Angus Breton, a fellow Cornish filmmaker and close friend since university, helped shape the story with a deep understanding of the region’s culture and pride. The two met at Falmouth University and had always dreamed of making films together. Breton also offered unwavering personal support, while editing for brands like Red Bull and Nike, he was also housing Simpkins, feeding him, and acting as a sounding board during the film’s most emotionally
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.