Kent State University Tuscarawas will host a screening of the documentary “The S Word; Let’s Talk Suicide” on Oct. 23 in the Performing Arts Center. A resource fair will take place at 6 p.m., and the new feature-length film will be screened at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with the documentary’s director, Lisa Klein, from 8:15 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the community.
The documentary puts a human face on this often feared and misunderstood topic, delving into the hearts and minds of suicide attempt survivors, along with their families and loved ones. “The S Word” is the latest film from the team behind the award-winning documentary “Of Two Minds” and is the recipient of the 2017 SAMHSA Voice Award.
Filmmaker Lisa Klein lost both her brother and father to suicide, compelling her to create this film. “There is no more highly charged personal issue for me. That’s the reason I was driven to document it and open a much-needed conversation. It is time for us to boldly talk about suicide because no family should have to experience this,” Klein said.
To stimulate the dialogue around suicide, the filmmakers are launching a dynamic screening tour around the US and Canada that includes events at film festivals, organizations, campuses, conferences and community centers. The film team is committed to ensuring that the people who are most affected by the issue, and can create the most change, have access to the movie in their own communities.
To find out how to host a screening or for general information on the film, please http://theswordmovie.com/ or contact Patricia Harris DiLeva at madpixfilms@gmail.com.
In addition to Kent State Tuscarawas, community sponsors of this event include ECOESC, ADAMHS Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties, Survivors of Suicide Support Group, New Life Counseling, NAMI of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties, ACE, Inc., CommQuest, Inc., Ohio Guidestone – PFCS, Chrysalis Counseling Center, Inc., Community Mental Healthcare Southeast, Inc. and Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Behavioral Health Center.
Kent State Tuscarawas is located at 330 University Dr. NE in New Philadelphia.