Tampa-based filmmaker and health advocate Charles Mattocks has won big for his latest documentary “Trial By Fire,” which won the “Best Documentary” award at the Charlotte Black Film Festival, held in North Carolina.
“Trial By Fire” is inspired by his mother Constance Marley (sister of legendary singer Bob Marley) and her struggle with the rare and painful nerve disease, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Over 200,000 people within the U.S. and another 100,000 worldwide live with this disease that causes excruciating pain all over the body, for which there is no identifiable cure. The documentary has been featured in film festivals around the U.S., most recently winning the “Best Director” and “Most Impactful Film” awards the Hollywood South Florida Film Festival last February.
Despite the recognition for his work, said Mattocks in a recent interview with National Weekly, he is most concerned about spreading awareness about the debilitating condition, which is still misunderstood, even by the medical community.
“The main purpose of the film is to draw attention, especially that of the medical fraternity, to the thousands suffering from this disease,” said Mattocks. “I am hoping by grasping the attention of the medical fraternity, a movement will be generated to advance treatment, and a possible cure for the disease.”
Mattocks is also coordinating a social media campaign to draw attention to CRPS victims. The Tampa resident is also an acclaimed dietician and cookbook author of “The Poor Chef.”
