BOULDER, Colo. — People avoid talking about suicide. It's taboo and usually only whispered about. A new documentary about a local family coping with loss after suicide is hoping to change that.
The goal of the film 'MY SISTER LIV' is to encourage people to talk about suicide because it could save a life, the film's makers said.
It showed at the Boulder International Film Festival on Saturday, offering free admission to students ages 14-25.
This documentary tells the story of Liv and Tess Kunik, best friends and sisters.
"The film is really a love letter from myself to Liv," said Tess Kunik.
Through the narration of the film, Tess tries desperately to save her younger sister, as she and her family watch her struggle with the pressures of social media, body dysmorphia, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
"She was a great friend to others but it was hard to be a good friend to herself," said Kunik. "She was so well-equipped to help others in their emotional distress but it was hard for her to reach out when she was struggling."
This documentary has one goal.
"By doing this work, we're creatively encouraging people to have open and fearless conversations about their mental health," said Honey Beuf, Tess and Liv's mother.
She said they want to give people permission to talk about suicide as it continues to be a leading cause of death for children.
Before the screening, audience members are given a packet, with step-by-step instructions on how to talk about suicide. Directly after the screening, they were invited to a discussion.
"These conversations after are also really important to have," said Kunik. "We want to make that easier for people to be able to do."
The film premiered in November at the DOC NYC festival and it's already starting conversations people thought they couldn't or shouldn't have.
"She asked her daughter if she had ever experienced these feelings and her daughter said, 'Yes mom, I've been having them for a few months now,'" said Beuf. "That conversation got them started in how to seek help and ultimately she got therapy and was improving, but it was the film that triggered that. It would have never have happened if the mom hadn’t seen the film."
It's these conversations, parents asking their kids if they've had suicidal thoughts, giving them space to open up, that are already saving lives.
While making the documentary, Kunik and Beuf were also inspired to create a non-profit called, The Liv Project. They have free discussion guides on how to talk to yourself or others about suicide.
They also created a card game called, The Game that Goes There, that helps start conversations around mental health.
Kunik and Beuf are already planning to bring the film, which has been vetted and created alongside mental health professionals, to high schools across the country. The first screening will be Chatfield High School later this month.
If you'd like to see the film or bring a screening to your community head to: thelivproject.org.
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