Monday, August 10, 2015

Media Monday: PRESS RELEASE: NYC Mental Health Film Festival to Premiere NO LETTING GO


NO LETTING GO: The feature film I was fortunate to be the Post Production Supervisor and Consulting Producer on will have it's NYC Premier next month.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NYC Mental Health Film Festival
Fights Stigma, Challenges Audiences to Rethink Stereotypes  

New York, NY:  On September 26, 2015, the 11th Annual NYC Mental Health Film Festival (#MHFF) will present six inspiring films about life with mental illness, including the U.S. premiere of the feature film No Letting Go, and the NYC premiere of the Voice Award-winning documentary Cracking Up.  Filmmakers and cast members will be in attendance for an audience Q&A.
As the oldest and largest mental health film festival in the United States, #MHFF takes a bold stand in fighting the stigma people with mental illness often face.   The festival has screened more than 50 films, attracted over 5,000 audience members, and served as a positive voice promoting social justice and human rights for people with mental health concerns.  
Says Carla Rabinowitz, festival organizer at Community Access, “One in four people in the United States lives with mental illness, yet society continues to stigmatize mental health recipients as violent, weak or incapable, and in need of constant medication.  This film festival shines a light on how mental health consumers and their families employ humor, courage, and their natural gifts to make positive contributions, earn respect, and counter preconceived ideas about mental illness.”
No Letting Go is among this year’s featured films.  Says its producer Carina Rush:  “I can't think of a more perfect way to premier No Letting Go than in our home state with the NYC #MHFF.  We are thrilled to be part of such a worthwhile and amazing event.”

FESTIVAL INFO:
WHEN:         Saturday, September 26, 2015
                     Morning Shorts:  11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon Features with Q&As:  1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Village East Cinema
181-189 2nd Avenue & 12th Street 
New York, NY

TICKETS:       $25 to $60 (A limited number of $100 VIP passes are available, and include a private reception with cast and producers of No Letting Go & Cracking Up)
WEBSITE:      www.MentalHealthFilmFest.nyc

SCHEDULE:
US PREMIERE:  No Letting Go – Based on the award-winning short Illness, this feature-length film written, directed and produced by Jonathan Bucari, is based on a true story and follows the journey of an American family faced with the daunting challenge of finding answers and help for their middle child, who is eventually diagnosed with a bipolar disorder.  Starring: Cheryl Allison, Richard Burgi (Desperate Housewives), and Noah Silverman, and featuring Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black), Kathy Najimy (Sister Act), and Janet Hubert (Fresh Prince of Bel Air).  Filmmakers and cast members will be in attendance for audience Q&A. 

NYC PREMIERE:  Cracking Up – Starring comedian David Granirer and directed by Tara Shortt, this Voice Award-winning documentary features naturally gifted people from all walks of life who happen to be afflicted with mental illnesses.  Through the art of stand-up comedy, they learn to confront their demons and set out on a journey of hope and possibility.  David Granirer will be in attendance for Q&A.
ABOUT COMMUNITY ACCESS

Community Access’ mission is to expand opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy and healing-focused services.  We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives.


Each year, Community Access programs help over 10,000 New Yorkers who connect with the organization for a home, a place to learn, and opportunities to reach their potentials.  A finalist in the 2014 New York Community Trust Nonprofit Excellence Awards, Community Access runs NYC’s first peer-operated support line (646-741-HOPE), a contact point for New Yorkers experiencing emotional distress, as well as the city’s first crisis respite center, a cost-effective alternative to hospitals, jails and shelters.  To learn more, visit www.communityaccess.org.

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