A Reason to Live (film)
Encyclopedia
A Reason to Live is a 2009 documentary film about teen and young adult depression and suicide
. The film captures twelve personal stories of despair and hope, told by young people of different ages, ethnicities and sexual preferences, and their families. It was produced and directed by Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell of Media Projects, Inc.
CONTACT Crisis Line professionals in Dallas provided ongoing feedback about these issues and how to portray them sensitively on film. Members of their staff participated in the re-enactment of two crisis line calls that involved a team of mental health professionals, actors and film crew working to assure accurate and ethical treatment of these sensitive subjects and the individuals interviewed. The calls are intended to give viewers the verbal skills necessary to communicate to someone who is depressed and thinking about suicide.
In post-production, focus groups from North Texas area mental health organizations, the medical school, and university counseling centers provided input to assure that presentation of the issues in the film upheld professional standards of mental health practice within this specific population.
The film is being used as an educational tool by many high school and college counselors, as well as the National Alliance on Mental Illness
.
The target audience for the film includes: Young Adults ages 15–24, Families, Youth Agencies & Civic Organizations, Public & Private Schools, Community Colleges, Public & Private Colleges & Universities, Public Libraries, Coaches and Mentors, Mental Health Professionals, Social Workers & Public Health Professional, GLBT Organizations and Community Centers, Medical & Rehabilitation Professionals, Hospitals & Medical Offices, Child Protective Services & Foster Care Systems, Spiritual & Religious Institutions, Law Enforcement Professionals & Correctional Facilities, Elected Officials & Government Agencies.
American Library Association
’s Booklist
magazine calls the film a “useful resource for teens, parents, and educators.” Dr. Linda Holloway , Chair of the Dept. of Rehabilitation, Social Work & Addictions at University of North Texas
echoed that sentiment and commented “…(the film) is long overdue. It is a great resource for colleges and universities to open the dialogue with students.”
Missy Wall, Director, Teen CONTACT Program, CONTACT Crisis Line Dallas , TX commented, “Suicide is a silent killer of young adults, and A Reason to Live gives a voice and hope to the deadly silence. As an educator, this film has become an invaluable tool that has only begun to change and touch the lives of many young adults. At a recent training with the film, a teenage girl said, ‘I identified with so many things in the film and, now, I know that I am not alone.’ Hope saves lives, and A Reason to Live our new hope!”
Dr. Betsy Kennard , a researcher and associate professor of psychiatry at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
has said “This poignant documentary adds a personal perspective to a major public health problem, highlighting that while there is a need for suicide prevention and intervention, current treatments for depression are promising & offer hope."
Youth Today wrote "This sensitive, carefully constructed film leaves an unforgettable impression. From bleak moments to rays of hope, it tells the truth."
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
. The film captures twelve personal stories of despair and hope, told by young people of different ages, ethnicities and sexual preferences, and their families. It was produced and directed by Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell of Media Projects, Inc.
Origins/Production
Filmmakers Allen Mondell & Cynthia Salzman Mondell were asked to make this film by a close family friend whose son committed suicide. They wanted the film to serve as a tool to educate others about the seriousness of depression and recognize the warning signs leading up to suicide.CONTACT Crisis Line professionals in Dallas provided ongoing feedback about these issues and how to portray them sensitively on film. Members of their staff participated in the re-enactment of two crisis line calls that involved a team of mental health professionals, actors and film crew working to assure accurate and ethical treatment of these sensitive subjects and the individuals interviewed. The calls are intended to give viewers the verbal skills necessary to communicate to someone who is depressed and thinking about suicide.
In post-production, focus groups from North Texas area mental health organizations, the medical school, and university counseling centers provided input to assure that presentation of the issues in the film upheld professional standards of mental health practice within this specific population.
Distribution
Two DVD versions of the film were released by Media Projects, Inc. in 2009, including a 52-minute College/Adult version, as well as a 33-minute classroom version that also includes a panel discussion with community experts, filmmakers’ comments and a Discussion & Resource Guide to be used by counselors/educators.The film is being used as an educational tool by many high school and college counselors, as well as the National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness was founded in 1979 as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. NAMI is a nation-wide American advocacy group, representing families and people affected by mental illness as a non-profit grass roots organization and has affiliates in every American state...
.
The target audience for the film includes: Young Adults ages 15–24, Families, Youth Agencies & Civic Organizations, Public & Private Schools, Community Colleges, Public & Private Colleges & Universities, Public Libraries, Coaches and Mentors, Mental Health Professionals, Social Workers & Public Health Professional, GLBT Organizations and Community Centers, Medical & Rehabilitation Professionals, Hospitals & Medical Offices, Child Protective Services & Foster Care Systems, Spiritual & Religious Institutions, Law Enforcement Professionals & Correctional Facilities, Elected Officials & Government Agencies.
Reception
The film has received positive reviews from various health professionals, counseling facilities and educational organizations.American Library Association
American Library Association
The American Library Association is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with more than 62,000 members....
’s Booklist
Booklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
magazine calls the film a “useful resource for teens, parents, and educators.” Dr. Linda Holloway , Chair of the Dept. of Rehabilitation, Social Work & Addictions at University of North Texas
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas is a public institution of higher education and research in Denton. Founded in 1890, UNT is part of the University of North Texas System. As of the fall of 2010, the University of North Texas, Denton campus, had a certified enrollment of 36,067...
echoed that sentiment and commented “…(the film) is long overdue. It is a great resource for colleges and universities to open the dialogue with students.”
Missy Wall, Director, Teen CONTACT Program, CONTACT Crisis Line Dallas , TX commented, “Suicide is a silent killer of young adults, and A Reason to Live gives a voice and hope to the deadly silence. As an educator, this film has become an invaluable tool that has only begun to change and touch the lives of many young adults. At a recent training with the film, a teenage girl said, ‘I identified with so many things in the film and, now, I know that I am not alone.’ Hope saves lives, and A Reason to Live our new hope!”
Dr. Betsy Kennard , a researcher and associate professor of psychiatry at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is one of the biomedical research institutions of the University of Texas System, incorporating three degree-granting institutions, four affiliated hospitals, including Parkland Memorial, the teaching hospital, and biomedical research...
has said “This poignant documentary adds a personal perspective to a major public health problem, highlighting that while there is a need for suicide prevention and intervention, current treatments for depression are promising & offer hope."
Youth Today wrote "This sensitive, carefully constructed film leaves an unforgettable impression. From bleak moments to rays of hope, it tells the truth."
Other Reviews
Other reviewers of the film include Educational Media Reviews Online and School Library JournalOther Films by Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell
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