'POSSESSED' enters the complicated worlds of four hoarders; people whose lives are dominated by their relationship to possessions. The film questions whether hoarding is a symptom of mental illness or a revolt against the material recklessness of consumerism. When does collecting become hoarding and why do possessions exert such an influence on our lives?

Made during a Visual Anthropology Masters at Goldsmiths College London last year. Winner of the Silver Egg at Emir Kusturica's Kustendorf Film Festival, 2008. It plays best on Full Screen with HD on and scaling off. If its still jerky, switch HD off.

This is a very common and growing problem. If you know anyone who is clearly a hoarder, please try to show them this film. I would be very interested to know how they respond. A feature of the disorder is that people often deny there is a problem. When they finally do realise they are in trouble they tend to think they have a unique problem which leads to a feeling of shame, isolation and despair. It's a very complex problem without a quick fix, but with care and understanding it is possible to get on top of it. I've seen it done.

For more info on Hoarding go to
ocfoundation.org
ocdaction.org.uk/ocdaction/index.asp?id=429
squalorsurvivors.com/index.shtml
childrenofhoarders.com/forum/index.php

I am now researching the next stage of the project. I am trying to compile a collection of peoples experiences of OCD and other anxiety based disorders. I have found from experience that although symptoms might be similar, the actual particularities of the obsessions and compulsions are often very varied. For example, someone might wash ones hands 30 times a day, but have a very unique, self-discovered reason for doing so. I would be very grateful to hear of your or any friend/acquaintances experiences/difficulties. Many thanks and I hope you find the film interesting. Please email me at martin@martinhampton.com