This film is a real eye opener. The access Tracy Willits has to two couples whose lives are dominated by schizophrenia is remarkable. Without being in any way preachy, it forces us to think about the priorities we have as a society, how we value (or don’t) people with severe mental health problems. The toll on the carers, loving elderly parents as well as partners, is hard to watch but heartwarming and often uplifting.
‘Pip, Pop and A Pandemic’ is also about two moving love stories, about loyalty in the face of the most adverse situations. We see benefits denied but then reinstated, lives lived with dignity below the poverty line and in the face of anti-social behaviour, illness - physical as well as mental - and the pressures brought about by the Covid-19 restrictions.
I defy anyone not to feel emotional after watching this film. And, for me, it was impossible not to ask: can’t we, as a society, do better than this?

"Tracy Willits' documentary, Pip, Pop and a Pandemic is a powerful and distressing film providing a rare insight into the nature and impact of schizophrenia - and mental illness more widely - in two northern families. Filmed before and during the pandemic, it demonstrates how the effect of the Covid lockdowns was even greater for the most vulnerable in society."

Pip, Pop and a Pandemic is a powerful insight into experiences of people with mental illness who through no fault of their own find themselves at the mercy of an uncaring benefits system.
The film shines a light on a systematic failure to treat people with compassion and respect, robbing them of a chance of happy, independent lives in the process.
This is no easy watch and stands as an indictment of our society and cruel way it treats the vulnerable, as Pauline herself says “its like you don’t exist”.
We need to have hope this can change. Mental health problems can afflict anybody, and we should put an arm round these people and treat them with compassion and dignity

The compelling human-interest story at the heart of the film cuts through a complex issue and demands action. The audience and expert panel at the event were clearly moved to watch the cruel reality of the benefits system piling yet more pressure on the lives of the film's engaging yet vulnerable characters.
Film-maker Tracy has turned sensitive storytelling into a powerful weapon for change.

"Many thanks for inviting me to your remarkable film last night. I was very moved by it. What was most striking to me – and pleased me most – was the film was not just about the experience of schizophrenia but also about poverty, the benefit system and, often very beautifully, the love and loyalty of the people".

"Pip, Pop and a Pandemic observes the highs and lows of two couples as they struggle to come to terms with the increased cost of living, eviction , death threats and deteriorating health. The film offers a timely look inside a world rarely seen on film. The result is a heartwarming but damning indictment of how people with mental health disorders are neglected and forgotten".

"I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for the invitation to the documentary last night.I brought one of my daughters with me who is doing a masters in neuroscience and who is interested in schizophrenia. We both thought the documentary was outstanding and we chatted animatedly about it all the way to the train station.     A beautiful, important and moving piece.You should be proud".

"I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for the invitation to the documentary last night.I brought one of my daughters with me who is doing a masters in neuroscience and who is interested in schizophrenia. We both thought the documentary was outstanding and we chatted animatedly about it all the way to the train station.     A beautiful, important and moving piece.You should be proud".