BEACON- In recognition of Mental Health Month, Hit House Creative (HHC) CEO Shane Killoran and Beacon LitFest (BLF) founder Dr. Hannah Brooks are pleased to announce the screenings of two groundbreaking documentaries, HERE. IS. BETTER. and Charm Circle, with accompanying panel discussions. The films will be shown on April 27, 2024, and May 4, 2024, respectively, at The Beacon Theater in Beacon, NY.
The selected documentaries, HERE. IS. BETTER. and Charm Circle, explore the struggles, treatments, and triumphs of people affected by mental illness, approaching their subjects from two very distinct cinematic lenses and perspectives.
HERE. IS. BETTER. will be screened on Sat., April 27. This powerful, multi award-winning documentary illuminates the impact and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With unprecedented access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the film tracks four veterans with diverse backgrounds and service experiences through their moving stories of recovery using trauma-focused psychotherapies.
Charm Circle is scheduled for Sat., May 4. This film is a New York Times Critic Pick, with Fred Armisen as one of its Executive Producers. It offers a deeply intimate and immersive account of the filmmaker’s own family’s emotional, financial, and social struggles as they navigate a number of family crises. At turns heartbreaking and wryly funny (Burstein’s dad Uri could carry his own sitcom), it is ultimately an inspirational and illuminating window into how families find ways to cope in a world that does not always welcome differences. While it is sometimes challenging to watch, it is sure to spark conversations about the complexities of mental illness and its influence on family bonds.
Immediately following the screenings for each of these award-winning films, there will be moderated discussions with the filmmakers, service providers, and community members. The April 27 panel will include Emmy Award-winner Sian Edwards-Beal Sian, producer of HERE. IS. BETTER., and knowledgeable experts Alyssa Carrion, Director of Veterans Programs for Mental Health America (MHA) of Dutchess County and special guests; On May 4, producer and director of Charm Circle, Nira Burstein will be joined by Andrew O’Grady, CEO of MHA Dutchess County and Steve Miccio, CEO of People, USA.
Filmmakers will discuss their visions and engage in audience Q and A and panelists will share information on information on housing, social and psychological services for those who are suffering—to let them know they’re not alone in these experiences and that recovery is possible with the proper support systems.
“We wanted to support these filmmakers in trying to destigmatize mental illness, to deepen our community’s understanding and open up real dialogue around the issues,” says Dr Hannah Brooks (BLF) co-producer with Shane Killoran (HHC) of the program. “We also want to shed light on the organizations in our area doing the heavy lifting in providing support to affected individuals”
“Engaging the cinematic, veteran, and health service communities allows us to engage and educate the public and then use this to initiate meaningful conversation surrounding mental illness and mental wellness,” shares Shane Killoran. “I’m most excited to welcome seemingly divergent factions of the local Beacon population for a program certain to highlight our commonalties as a community rather than our differences. Our aim is to bring mental health issues to the fore in honor of Mental Health month.”
The films and guest panels HERE. IS. BETTER. are scheduled on Saturday, Apr 27, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and for Charm Circle on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Beacon, located at 445 Main St in Beacon, NY.
Tickets for both events can be found at beaconmovietheater.com or at the door.
