A Reason to Live

A Reason to Live is a 2009 documentary film about teen and young adult depression and suicide. It captures twelve personal stories of despair and hope, told by young people of different ages, ethnicities and sexual orientations, and their families. It was produced and directed by Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell of Media Projects, Inc. Origins/production Filmmakers Allen Mondell and Cynthia Salzman Mondell were asked to make this film by a close family friend whose son committed suicide. They wanted it to serve as a tool to educate others about the seriousness of depression and recognize the warning signs leading up to suicide. CONTACT Crisis Line professionals in Dallas provided ongoing feedback about these issues and how to portray them sensitively on film. Members of their staff participated in the re-enactment of two crisis line calls that involved a team of mental health professionals, actors and film crew working to assure accurate and ethical treatment of these sensitive subjects and the individuals interviewed. The calls are intended to give viewers the verbal skills necessary to communicate to someone who is depressed and thinking about suicide.