H&M delivers latest Explore Your Nature sportswear campaign

The campaign aims to redefine the masculine narrative and break down toxic masculinity messaging, as well as mental health stigmas. 

Presented in three parts the film highlights how important it is for men to talk. Focusing on mentors including British Black explorer Dwayne Fields, quadriplegic veteran Mark Ormrod along with eight others as they trek from London to Epping Forest having never met before. While out exploring the men engage in conversation and share their life stories. So often many men find such honest conversations difficult, but through sharing their experiences they’re helping to break down the boundaries of masculinity, helping promote their mental wellness and mindfulness.

The film showcases H&M’s partnership with The Book of Man agency and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) for a ready-to-wear capsule collection with a difference. Founded with the motivation to move, embrace the outdoors, and start a wellbeing journey through stylish sportswear. The film also hopes to raise a considerable amount of funds for CALM.

On directing the film Ben Falk comments: 

“I have always maintained a really healthy mindset, until recently. I’m not sure if it was turning forty, lockdown, covid, wars, or all of it, but recently I had to admit to my own depression and anxiety. It wasn’t just ‘another bad day’ it was a succession of ever increasing feelings of fear, mixed with nerves all hidden behind a smile or a silly Dad joke. My life had become very repetitive and robotic and that needed to stop. Once I opened up and spoke to friends I decided to tackle the feelings by spending time outside. I started by gardening and have now become a forestry volunteer in Epping Forest. So when this job came along I thought it was too much of a coincidence to ignore. 

I loved our shoot day and as hectic as it was wrangling 15 people with a crew of 3, I got to spend it with brilliant men of all ages. All had decided to own their identities and discuss their fragility, not only with friends, but with a wider audience. They were fun, intelligent, thoughtful and generous men and I doff my cap to them all”