On Oct. 17 from 6:30-8 p.m., the Parent Educational Series continues with a film and a panel discussion at Saline High School auditorium.
“In the Chelsea School District’s continuous efforts to support our community, we are working with Saline Area Schools to provide the first event in this year’s Parent Educational Series,” said Marcus Kaemming, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and human resources.
“Anxiety affects us all,” he said, adding, “This is the right time with so many in our community struggling with anxiety and issued related to anxiety.”
He said that after everyone watches the film, there will be a discussion afterward.
He said, “It’s helpful to know that you are not alone.”
Although the first in the series will take place in Saline and the date was chosen by the Saline organizers, the remainder of the series will be held locally Kaemming said.
The film, “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety,” will be followed by a panel of experts from across Washtenaw County who will discuss anxiety.
IndieFlix, a leading independent online streaming platform, along with its non-profit arm, the IndieFlix Foundation, is sparking a global conversation about anxiety through screenings of its brand-new documentary, “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety”.
The event will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative panel discussion, led by Brad Bezeau, Saline Middle School principal, with special guests from across Washtenaw County.
The film will be shown from 6:30-7:30 PM and will be followed by a panel discussion from 7:30-8 p.m.
Producers Scilla Andreen and Karin Gornick have one goal: to start a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Through candid interviews, they utilize the power of film to tell the stories of many kids and teens who discuss their anxiety and its impacts on their lives and relationships, as well as how they’ve found solutions and hope.
The film also includes a special interview with Michael Phelps, a mental health advocate and one of the greatest athletes of all-time. In addition, the documentary provides discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, along with the help, resources and tools available to address the condition.
The event is free and is open to everyone (students 10 and older, parents, teachers, community members, etc.)
Part of the beauty of this film is the openness of the children and young adults featured; for some of them, the “Angst” project marks the first time they are publicly sharing their experiences with anxiety. Our hope is that their candidness and bravery will inspire our community to do the same.
While “Angst” documents the struggles some people have with anxiety, it also reveals their hope for the future. Noah, a teenager in the film, describes it this way: “Anxiety doesn’t define me. It’s not just a curse; it also gives me strength.”
“Everybody needs to know that anxiety disorders are real, common and treatable instead of viewing them as a personal choice or something to be ashamed of,” said Dr. Jerry Bubrick, Senior Director of Anxiety Disorders Center, Child Mind Institute. “Getting help early is crucial in giving people the tools they need to feel better. We just need to start the conversation.”
“We felt it was important to make a movie that could raise awareness to open up the conversation and provide hope,” said Andreen, IndieFlix CEO and “Angst” Producer. “So many people struggle with anxiety and have trouble talking about it. We want to change that.”
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the U.S., impacting 54 percent of females and 46 percent of males, with age seven being the median age of onset, according to the World Health Organization. While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only one-third of those suffering receive treatment. Everyone involved in the development of “Angst” has a personal experience with anxiety – from the producers to the interviewees.
“The conversation surrounding mental health really hits home for me,” said Michael Phelps. “Many people don’t understand how debilitating mental illness truly can be, and even more than that, how common it is, yet people are afraid to have the serious discussions about it. I welcomed the opportunity to be a part of ‘Angst’ to further the dialogue around mental health and to help people understand the impact anxiety has on our mental state and encourage people, especially kids, to ask for help.”
“Angst” screens in schools and communities across the world. The IndieFlix original film is expected to reach more than three million people around the world, through 25,000 community and school screenings
To book a screening of ANGST in your community, find a screening or learn more, visit www.angstmovie.com.
ABOUT INDIEFLIX FOUNDATION
The IndieFlix Foundation holds a unique place at the intersection of donors who want to inspire global change, and creative filmmakers who tell powerful stories that can unite and transform communities. By funding films that inspire social change and positive action, the Foundation supports documentaries that are screened in schools, groups and organizations. This brings communities together to watch films, sitting side-by-side, and allows conversations to begin. Recent documentaries include “Finding Kind, about bullying, “The Empowerment Project”, which addresses female empowerment, and “Screenagers” which delves into the impacts of social networking and increased screen time. Powered by donations, the IndieFlix Foundation’s cause-based content targets ages nine and up.
