A Must See...And Free

A film about families dealing with mental health issues

By Carol Mills, Executive Director, Newaygo County Mental Health
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The 2019 feature film, Coming Up for Air, a project of the Heartland Independent Film Forum, based in Muskegon, is a unique opportunity to reach those who can benefit today from readily available treatment.   The film focuses on the impact of mental health on families as told through the story of a young college student who is also a competitive diver. The film is set for national theatrical release on September 20, 2019.   Newaygo County Mental Health and NC RESA will sponsor a free preview of the movie on September 18, 2019 at the Dogwood Center.   The movie is considered PG13, and appropriate for teens and young adults as well.  Dinner will also be provided.  The movie will start at 6:30 p.m. with dinner available starting at 5:30p.m.   Local mental health providers will also be on-site to offer information about local mental health services.

Anna Russell, a lauded young artist, won an impressive fellowship to Italy at the end of her American college studies. She appeared to be on her way to becoming a darling of the international art scene. Reality crashed into her dream world when Anna realized she was pregnant. Her lover, a fellow student, left town without a forwarding address before she had a chance to tell him he was on the way to fatherhood. Convinced she had missed her moment, Anna decided to return home to America where her son Stan was born.

Nineteen years later Anna Russell is privately struggling to adjust after Stan, now a nationally ranked 10 meter diver and Italian studies major, is away at college. She is left behind deeply in debt. As she begins a path of rediscovery, Anna becomes worried by the behavior of her son who is further and further out of reach. Because he is of age, she has no right to information about him or access to him, and must try to decipher if he is having a rough time learning life lessons or if he is in real trouble. What parent hasn't thought, "How worried should I be?"

Coming Up For Air vividly portrays what it's like to be the parent of a mentally ill child. By not passing judgment or offering unsolicited advice, this feature drama encourages audiences to come to their own conclusions about what it takes to be a devoted, loving parent. 

This unique film conveys the kind of teamwork it takes to successfully respond to mental health challenges. A perfect film for families about an imperfect family, Coming Up For Air is also an entertaining story that is both hopeful and inspiring.

This is a free event, but people are asked to preregister to determine food needs.  Please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coming-up-for-air-full-movie-premiere-tickets-67070937981?aff=ebdssbdestsearch to register.   Please email Newaygo County Mental Health with questions at [email protected]
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To watch a trailer clip, please follow this link:   https://vimeo.com/348120621 or visit comingupforairmovie.com