West 47th Street

For more than fifty years, Fountain House in New York has been welcoming persons suffering from mental disorders. Thanks to this partly self-managed structure, the patients are able to find lodging and support to help become rehabilitated. Over three years, the filmmakers followed the life of its residents, filming them in the hostel, supervised for many years by the understanding yet firm directress, in the streets, at the hospital, at work… The film focuses on four characters: Fitzroy, the Rastafarian who lived for a long time on the streets; Zeinab, the Egyptian woman whose generosity finds expression in her cooking; Frances who ploughs what is left of his strength into a crusade to obtain free transport for his fellow sufferers and Tex, who treats himself to his first holidays where he is entirely responsible for himself. We share their difficult moments and crises, but also their energetic attitude to overcoming obstacles and their tremendous sense of humour.