Thought-Provoking Film Titled Listen at the Core of Broward County Public Schools New Mental Health Initiative
6th Largest School District in the US addresses mental health by encouraging parents, students and educators to Listen.
- (1888PressRelease) October 24, 2017 - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Listen, LP today announced that their fictional, scripted feature length film Listen (Listenthemovie.com) will anchor a comprehensive mental health initiative being launched by the Broward County Public Schools. Beginning October 24, 2017 and lasting until February 8th, 2018, educators and students in Broward County high schools will participate in viewings of the film. The viewings will be followed by interactive discussions with the film’s writer, director and youth advocate, Erahm Christopher. The initiative was developed to bring about greater awareness and understanding of the issues teens face including bullying, cyberbullying, self-image and suicide. It will provide a platform to engage students, parents, and community in a courageous conversation on mental health and wellness.
“We are thrilled to be working with Mr. Christopher and his team on this unprecedented initiative,” stated Robert Runcie, Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools. “We believe the Listen film will spark a courageous conversation that will help our students feel like they are not alone in their struggles. The accompanying resources and training will provide the essential follow-up and support that will help students, educators, parents and community stakeholders be more active, aware and supportive listeners.”
In addition to student and faculty film screenings, the district will hold eleven parent screenings, conduct active listening trainings for students and educators and integrate a 230-page Social Emotional Based Curriculum throughout the district. The district also plans to launch Sidewalk Talk listening events throughout the community. By the time the initiative is over, it will reach over 50,000 people.
Inspired by a decade of Christopher’s work in schools across North America, Listen tells the story of what happens when we don’t pay attention. It’s about all of us, and how we impact each other. Created in response to the unsettling mental health epidemic and the stigma surrounding it, the film is an alarm to face the truth that how you listen defines what happens to you and those you love.
“I am grateful to be working with everyone in the forward-thinking Broward County Public Schools”, stated Erahm Christopher. “After working a decade in schools across the nation, I believe bullying, self-harm, body image, depression, anxiety, depression and suicide are symptoms of a bigger mental health crisis that is plaguing our schools. To witness the 6th largest school district in the nation allocate the time and resources to address these issues across their community is inspiring. I designed Listen to be a stealthy tool that others could utilize to help bridge our social divides and I am thrilled to have it launched in the Broward County Public Schools.”
Erahm Christopher has partnered with LA based producer, Brooke Dooley, to produce “relevential” content (media that is both relevant and influential and can function as a source of entertainment and as a powerful educational tool). Data collected from over 1,900 students across the US and Canada, who previewed Listen, has shown that 87% of students felt less alone after watching the film, and 92% stated that the film made them feel like they do not want to hurt themselves or others. Prior to producing Listen, Christopher has produced and directed over twenty productions and launched award-winning educational programing that has reached over 8 million people worldwide.
For more information about Listen, please visit listenthemovie.com.
For more information about Erahm Christopher, please visit
www.ec-films.com.
About Listen
Everyday someone is waiting for another person to notice they are broken or alone. What happens when we don't pay attention? A narrative film inspired by real youth dying for someone to listen, the film illustrates the essential role we play in the lives of others and the fabric of our communities. It provides a haunting look at how failed systems and careless parenting creates a dangerous ripple effect that impacts us all.
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