Every once in a while we here at Sacred Bones come a across a project that we think is important enough we need to tell the world about it. Filmmaker and friend JD Mendonca has made a really special six episode series about a very hard topic and one that is close to our hearts: suicide prevention.
Below is the filmmakers’ statement. Please take the time to read this and watch the first part of the series, which includes an incredible performance from Twin Peaks’ Sheryl Lee.
WE’VE ALL LOST SOMEONE WE CARE ABOUT TO SUICIDE. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
“My name is JD and I’m the creator and co-founder of the production company Misfit Picture Shows. We have recently produced a suicide prevention awareness short form mini-series titled CORRESPONDENCE. Our goal with Correspondence is to create greater awareness of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, in the hopes that viewers will volunteer at, donate to, or feel more encouraged to call if in emotional need.
Alongside a prologue and interlude, Correspondence is a six episode honest and unglamorized portrayal of two strangers’ effort to communicate their respective need and compassion to each other. Featuring TWIN PEAKS’ Sheryl Lee, the original song OUTTA MY HEAD created and performed by Magenta Harley, and written by three-year hotline counselor Ted Hornick, Correspondence is our attempt to present a sincere look at the reality of hotline calls.
In combination with trying to dispel some of the societal stigma or reluctance viewers may feel to call a crisis line, we strove to present an honest look at a counselor. We feel it is vital that callers be prepared that their counselors will have faults alongside their qualities… Even though they may not always say the perfect things to them, a counselor’s efforts to be there for those in need is admirable. Ultimately, everyone needs to save themselves, but no one can do that alone. For progress to truly occur, an effort to improve and show compassion has to be present in both parties.
We’ll be uploading every episode on our Misfit Picture Shows’ YouTube Page. Below you will find our release schedule. Following last year’s release of “A Prologue to CORRESPONDENCE” on September 10’s World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, I chose these dates to try to keep suicide prevention awareness present through some appropriate “National Days” and the potentially-lonely Valentine’s Day.”
Watch the first episode below.
Thursday, February 7th: EPISODE ONE (featuring Sheryl Lee, #SendACardToAFriendDay)
Thursday, February 14th: EPISODE TWO (#ValentinesDay)
Sunday, February 17th: EPISODE THREE (#RandomActsOfKindnessDay)
Thursday, February 21st: EPISODE FOUR
Sunday, February 24th: OUTTA MY HEAD (CORRESPONDENCE, an Interlude) (a potential special Interlude Episode focusing on the currently-planned iTunes release of Magenta’s poignant original song)
Thursday, February 28th: EPISODE FIVE (Sheryl Lee’s caller from Episode One returns)
Thursday, March 7th: EPISODE SIX (the Finale, #NationalBeHeardDay)
