A BRIGHTON-based independent filmmaker has launched a crowd-funding drive to support his debut feature The Man Whose Mind Exploded.

The campaign is raising £8,000 to publicise its showing in cinemas.

Toby Amies’ documentary, adapted from his 2007 Radio 4 documentary of the same name, offers a touching insight into his relationship with local eccentric Drako Oho Zarharzar.

Drako, pictured, is known for his striking moustache and for cycling through Kemptown in a cape, suffered anterograde amnesia following a serious car accident in the 1990s which left him unable to form new memories.

Toby said: “I was initially drawn to Drako’s colourful life story but as time went on the story developed into one about our relationship and his struggle with his condition.

“It is a very personal film. At the time I was dealing with my late sister’s illness and I had a duty of care to both her and Drako.

“The main theme of the film is acceptance of life and faith in humanity, but a motif is the struggle between the duty of care and the autonomy of the patient.

“Drako has taught me a lot. He has taught me about patience and acceptance and the importance of living in the here and now.”

Despite the creative freedom being an independent film-maker allows, the cast and crew had to endure financial sacrifices just to get the film completed.

The film is dedicated to Toby’s sister Catherine, who died after a kidney donor could not be found.

She helped fund the project and the director is keen for the film to give back to both the audience and all those who have helped to publicise the film.

He said: “What’s the point of getting this far if no one knows we’re playing in cinemas?

“The credit cards are at their absolute limit.

“I can’t remortgage any more and I am terrified we will stumble at the last hurdle.”

Following the film’s premiere in Sheffield last year and two sold-out screenings at Brighton’s CineCity Festival, it will be screened at the Duke of York’s Picturehouse in Preston Circus on June 13 ahead of its nationwide release in Picturehouse cinemas on July 1.

To donate visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/launch-the-man-whose-mind-exploded-into-british-cinemas

To register as an organ donor visit https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/how_to_become_a_donor/registration/consent.asp