Bangor, ME –The short dramatic film, The Road Back, has been chosen as one of six movies to be considered for the category of “Best Student Film” at the 2013 Lewiston-Auburn Film Festival (LAFF). The film, produced by Acadia Hospital in conjunction with Project AWARE, was written and directed by Hermon High School student Faith Bishop and involved the efforts of nearly 100 Maine teens. It addresses the stigma associated with teen anxiety and depression and has been distributed free of charge to over 100 middle and high schools in Maine.
“The Road Back continues to garner attention, both for its quality and for the timely issues it addresses, and we couldn’t be more pleased,” commented Acadia Hospital President and CEO Dan Coffey.
LAFF is scheduled to kick off this year with the world premiere of The Peloton Project, produced by Maine native son and actor Patrick Dempsey, on April 5. The LAFF Gala and Awards Ceremony is scheduled for the evening of April 6, with film screenings running April 6 and 7 throughout the Lewiston-Auburn community. Additionally, TV's “Survivorman” Les Stroud is expected to participate in the student film competition as part of several special appearances at the film festival.
“From the moment the initial viewing panel watched The Road Back, we knew it could stand up against almost any film produced in Maine, student or otherwise. It was no surprise to us it did well with our judges in the semifinal round and we're excited that its positive message of dealing with depression and anxiety will be shared with a much larger audience on April 6,” stated LAFF Film Festival Director Josh Shea.
In addition to funding provided by Acadia Hospital, The Road Back was supported by the Davis Family Foundation, Bingham Program, Spring Harbor Hospital and Bangor Savings Bank.
Acadia Hospital is a fully accredited and licensed non-profit psychiatric hospital whose mission it is to empower people to improve their lives. For more information please go to: www.acadiahospital.org or www.acadiatheroadback.org.
Project AWARE provides youth with the support they need to engage in meaningful and creative conversations, empowering them to work together towards social change. For more information visit: www.projectaware.net.
To learn more about LAFF go to: www.lafilmfestival.org.