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'Goodbye Breasts!' Documentary premiere
Joanna in front of the inflatable breast that visitors can enter and encounter breast anatomy
Professor Joanna Callaghan's documentary premieres at the Brighton Cinecity Film Festival on 11 November at 6pm at The Depot cinema in Lewes.
Goodbye Breasts! (2025), the latest documentary from writer and director Joanna Callaghan, redefines recovery in a powerful 70-minute exploration of life after breast cancer treatment. In a bold and offbeat approach to reclaiming her body, Callaghan—herself a two-time hereditary cancer survivor—turns her healing journey into a canvas of creativity, humour, and resilience.
Following a double mastectomy, Goodbye Breasts! chronicles Callaghan as she embarks on a self-recovery like no other. Armed with a radically inventive spirit, she tackles her journey with remarkable tools: from building a giant inflatable breast to choreographing post-surgery dance routines and hosting a “Goodbye Breasts!” party in honour of her body’s transformation. The documentary interweaves her candid self-shot footage, animations, and archival clips to tell a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.
“Goodbye Breasts! isn’t just a film about surviving cancer—it’s about embracing change and finding joy in new beginnings,” says Joanna Callaghan. “I wanted to capture the highs and lows of recovery in a way that would resonate with others going through similar experiences, with a touch of humour to highlight that even in challenging times, there’s always space for laughter.”
With a fresh perspective on survivorship, Goodbye Breasts! shines a spotlight on the resilience of the human spirit and the ways in which creativity can heal. From reconnecting with family to meeting fellow survivors and reclaiming her own story, Callaghan demonstrates the transformative power of humour and art in recovery. The documentary also opens a broader conversation on body acceptance, healing, and community—a message that is sure to inspire audiences worldwide.
Joanna Callaghan is a Professor of Filmmaking in the School of Media, Arts and Humanities.
Screening 6pm on Tuesday 11 November at The Depot, Lewes
Banner image: Reflections on a meeting by Scribe is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities Research Office, Silverstone SB220