The subjects that teens explore when creating films provided a platform for a wonderful panel discussion about the concerns of local youth and how our community can provide a safety net to support them. The event was held on Wednesday, May 4 and was presented by Partners for Health as part of the Montclair Film Festival.
Moderator John Mooney, Founding Editor and Education Writer of NJ Spotlight, guided the conversation with these local experts:
Andrew D. Evangelista LCSW, LCADC, DRCC
Student Assistance Counselor, Montclair Public Schools
Sonja B. Gray MD
Gray Consulting Services INC
Linda B. Mithaug
Director of Pupil Services, Montclair Public Schools
Betty Strauss MA, RN, NCSN
District Head Nurse, Montclair Public Schools
The works of these young filmmakers were screened prior to the discussion:
Individuality – by Al-Naf Walker, Jahleel Giles and Jailene Perez
Hue – by Holly Grobholz and AnnMarie Ciulla
I’m not Okay – by Samantha Cordero
Listen – by Samantha Nochimsom
An article in The Alternative Press (TAP) provides more information, and comments from various attendees that were compiled by one of the film festival’s bloggers can be read at this link. More photos can be viewed by clicking here.
Partners for Health will explore further collaboration with the Montclair Film Festival to build youth resiliency through art and film.
Event photos courtesy of Brad Resnick Photography and the Montclair Film Festival:
