About the film

ABOUT THE FILM

Connecting-the-Dots-Film-Documentary-Youth-Mental-Health-Laurels

DOWNLOAD MEDIA PACKAGE - FEATURE VERSION

DOWNLOAD MEDIA PACKAGE - INTERNATIONAL VERSION

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

My work as a Director — guided by a keen sense of compelling storytelling — is driven by a fearless passion to tackle global issues and provoke change within communities.

When reading about the alarming rates in increased youth anxiety, depression and suicide, my heart sank. I knew the subject of youth mental health was one to explore and I dived in.

As a mother and a grandmother, my films have mainly dealt with social issues important to women and children, and this has been a driving force for me, to bring these stories and struggles to light.

There is a youth mental health crisis around the globe. Suicide is the #1 health related cause of death for youth. Mental health is the health issue of this generation. There is an urgent call to action being heard globally asking for an elimination of the stigma and shame surrounding youth mental health struggles and demanding an increase in open dialogue and more accessible, relevant and timely support.

After three years of intense work on research, development and production, Connecting the Dots comes to the world at a time when mental health is a universal problem that affects almost everyone in 2020. Under the present situation of COVID-19, atop of growing unrest around systemic racism, sexual orientation, gender discrimination and so much more, the topic of Connecting the Dots is more relevant than ever before as it highlights all of these issues as key factors in affecting mental health, especially in young people.

Noemi-Weis-Connecting-the-Dots-Directors-Statement-2

The youth mental health situation is a widespread phenomenon. That’s the reason why I decided to take a universal look at this so-called “global epidemic.” I focused on the reasons why we are faced with this crisis and what we have done as a society to create this.

After thorough research, I firmly believe that the way to help reduce youth mental illness and bring transformation to the system is by understanding the core issues faced by the youth themselves and that’s why Connecting the Dots is the first documentary of its kind to exclusively bring forward their stories and lived experiences in an emotional and powerful way.

Noemi-Weis-Connecting-the-Dots-Directors-Statement-3

When planning how to tackle this sensitive film, I paid particular attention to the stories that could symbolize thousands of others, the visual treatment, and the creation of situations that will help the audience delve into the lives of our protagonists in their own environment.

I created what I call “visual diaries”, offering young people from around the world the opportunity to share their most intimate and personal moments as well as their call to action; using their most precious belonging, their phones.

Intercut with a highly cinematic and mis-en-scène approach, these visual diaries are the “voice of reason” that offer the viewer a global look at the situation of youth mental health that clearly has no borders.

Filled with beautiful images, poetry, preventative solutions, a strong call to action and a message of hope, Connecting the Dots’ mission is to reveal what we can do as a society to change this trend while generating awareness, provoking changes and most importantly, offering a voice to young people.

I hope their stories will open minds and hearts, presenting a model for healing and inclusion globally. It is time for all of us to listen and support them. We must not only think of them as the future, but also involve them in the present. There is nothing about them, without them.

Noemi Weis

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Noemi Weis is an award-winning Writer, Director and Producer that has spent over 20-years telling stories on the big and small screens, from her worldwide advertising projects to her award winning documentaries.

As a humanitarian and an advocate leader Noemí journeys where stories take her to bring voice to the world’s most vulnerable. Her films have been sold in more than 50 countries receiving numerous awards globally but most important, making in a difference in communities around the world. Her last film, MILK, received a passionate message of support from Mm. Sophie Trudeau and has been honoured with an invitation to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican in recognition of the impact her films have created in global communities.

Additionally, Noemi has been recognized as one of the top 10 most influential Hispanic-Canadians, award given by Toronto Mayor John Tory. Noemi is a proud member of the Unesco, Team Canada’s Trade Missions and a Business Ambassador of Ontario, promoting the merits of Canadian production abroad. In this capacity, she participates in trade missions and has been honoured with the nomination of “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” for three years in a row, the last one by Export Development Canada and nominated as a finalist for “Woman Entrepreneur of the World,” as the sole Canadian nominee.

Born in Buenos Aries and educated in Argentina and Canada, Noemi brings her skills and love for humanity to every project. She continues to create and develop films to promote human rights and social justice. She is fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish with a good proficiency of Portuguese.

For more information:

VISIT FILMBLANC