Ottawa filmmaker, Paul Gatto’s upbeat documentary about a suicide survivor will be featured in the upcoming Silver Stream Film Festival (SWFF). His film – “One in Five” – will air on November 12, just 10 days before the world marks International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.
Gatto’s film’s subject, Kelly W. of Ottawa, fortunately overcame a series of mental health struggles. His documentary delves into the life of this young woman as she navigates the complexities of bipolar and borderline personality disorders. With a compassionate lens, the film explores her struggles, drug abuse and incarceration, episodes of attempted suicide – along with her resilience, and remarkable journey toward self-discovery and recovery.
“We found this film to be very powerful, touching on a complex subject,” says Tracey Lavigne, Head of SWFF’s Programming. “It’s one that’s very important to talk about, as it affects many people.”
For Gatto, an award-winning filmmaker, this project is deeply personal. His own family has faced tough mental health challenges while coping with chronic and fatal illnesses, including cancer. Meeting Kelly, he was struck and inspired by her story—one of pain, perseverance, and transformation.
“I hope this film serves as both a testament to human resilience and a call to action for greater mental health awareness and compassion, “ he remarks.
Kelly W. who hopes many will be inspired by One in Five adds “We all have struggles. What matters is how we choose to face them.”
Suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720 000 people every year in Canada. Each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the world.
The annual SWFF based in Fredericton was first begun in 2000, known then as the Tidal Wave Festival to spotlight NB Film Co-op member films. Members were then making their films with few distribution and screening opportunities. Now, each year offers a showcase of multicultural, international, French and English programming of all genres and lengths, and brings experienced and emerging producers and filmmakers together.
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