Model and Strategy
THE S WORD strives to save lives, by educating the public about suicide and putting a human face on a topic that
has long been stigmatized and buried with the lives it has claimed. The film reassures us that it's okay to talk about
this most taboo of subjects, and introduces us to a community of suicide attempt survivors and loss survivors who
are committed to sharing their stories.
Within this personal framework, THE S WORD takes an intimate look at the lives of attempt survivors and their
loved ones and records their candid and gut-wrenching emotional stories of survival. THE S WORD breathes life
and light into the dark and denied topic of suicide and illuminates the audience with many leading-edge mental
health professionals and advocates, including best-selling author Andrew Solomon; Dr. John Draper, Director of
the National Suicide Prevention Hotline; clinical psychologist Dr. April Foreman; and Dr. Thomas Joiner, a leading
suicide expert.
Impact
Changing attitudes and behavior can save lives, and the dialogue THE S WORD will ignite is the spark needed to
illuminate the conversation about suicide. Powerful films can reduce feelings of isolation, heighten dialogue and
provide tools and new ways of seeing. THE S WORD has the potential to be that kind of film by changing and
saving lives.
Film creates a sense of community and a shared experience that is both personal and universal. The act of
watching and listening to others talk about suicide can be life-altering. Once the viewer is exposed to true stories
and real solutions, they will never see suicide the same way again, and that leads to change. THE S WORD will
provide people with resources and tools to think beyond suicide. If someone has cancer and does nothing,
eventually they will die from it. Chemotherapy gives them a chance. Communication can do the same for suicide.
OF TWO MINDS is the perfect example. MadPix continues to receive scores of emails from people saying they feel
less alone or can now relate to loved ones with bipolar after viewing the film. It continues to make a difference
almost four years later.
Whether it's the intimacy of a live event, or the privacy of a home viewing, screenings have a positive ripple effect.
It's the stories that connect us. They educate, illuminate and inspire. The audience potential is limitless, ultimately
reaching tens of thousands in theaters and millions through broadcast media and the Internet.
MadPix is designing a screening guide to be paired with THE S WORD that will outline how to produce an event
that engenders a constructive and informational postscreening discussion that can be used with or without the
filmmakers being present.
THE S WORD website launched recently and functions as a connecting site where people can find resources and
links to programs and groups. There is also a "Wall of Remembrance" where names of those lost to suicide are
posted and a "Wall of Hope" to commemorate the lives of attempt survivors. The site will be expanded in the future
to include art, poetry, photos and shared stories to allow real-time interaction and sharing of ideas.
MadPix has long-term plans to develop a multi-episode documentary TV series about mental health, with each
episode dedicated to a different aspect of mental illness.
Leadership
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Lisa Klein
Director