Kirk Jones had a straightforward goal when he embarked on the production of the film “I Swear.” His aim was not to create a blockbuster, although the movie has achieved significant success in box office releases worldwide. It was not about winning awards either; however, the film surprisingly clinched three accolades at the recent BAFTA Film Awards. While not specifically targeting Canadian theaters, the Tourette syndrome biopic received rave reviews at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is set for its Canadian theatrical debut this week.
Jones explained that his primary ambition was to honor John Davidson, the Scottish man whose life story inspired the film. Additionally, he aimed to ensure that the Tourette’s community would find pride in the film, a goal that seems to have been achieved based on the positive reception.
The film portrays Davidson’s journey from being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in childhood, facing social exclusion, to eventually gaining cultural recognition and even receiving an honor from the Queen for his educational efforts on the condition. Emphasizing that the tics caused by Tourette syndrome are uncontrollable, the film sheds light on the misunderstanding surrounding the condition, leading to distress in others due to a lack of awareness.
Jones has received heartening feedback about the film’s impact, including stories of a prison officer identifying a condition in an inmate after watching “I Swear” and a young boy with Tourette syndrome rejoining soccer practice with newfound understanding from his teammates after watching the film. The film’s influence was further evident in the significant increase in website traffic for Tourette’s Action and a surge in donations for Tourette Scotland following the BAFTA wins.
Despite the film’s positive reception, completing the project was not without its challenges. Jones first encountered Davidson’s story in a 1989 documentary and revisited it over three decades later. He worked closely with Davidson to ensure his story was portrayed authentically and took a personal financial risk to self-finance the film, granting him creative control.
The highlight of the film was Robert Aramayo’s BAFTA win for his portrayal of Davidson, surpassing expectations. However, the positive impact of the film was tested during the BAFTA ceremony when Davidson involuntarily uttered a racial slur, highlighting the challenges individuals with Tourette’s face in social settings.
The incident sparked controversy and criticism, leading to public apologies and reflections on the episode. Despite the setback, Jones believes that the film’s core message of fostering understanding and compassion remains crucial. He encourages viewers to watch “I Swear” to gain insight into the complexities of Tourette syndrome and promote greater awareness and empathy for those affected by the condition.