FRI 31 DEC
Coming Soon to
Bridgeway
91 mins |
Rated
R15 (Deals with suicide, sexual abuse themes and self-harm reference)
Directed by Leanne Pooley
Starring Jazz Thornton
In the increasing public discourse on mental health, Leanne Pooley’s inspiring and fearless documentary tracks an extraordinary young woman’s journey from suicide survivor to advocate for those struggling. The fact it leaves you hopeful and with tangible advice makes it vital viewing.
Almost a film-within-a-film, The Girl on the Bridge explores the emotional tightrope to be walked when tackling a taboo and emotional topic. It follows 21-year-old Jazz Thornton during the pivotal two-year period she was emerging out of her own struggles with suicide to become a powerful advocate for mental health. During this time, she was also embarking on a personal project, the award-winning 2019 web series Jessica’s Tree, which pays reflective tribute to the eponymous friend whose life she could not save.
New Zealanders are aware of our suicide statistics and with a similar kaupapa to Maui’s Hook (NZIFF18), director Pooley and Thornton demand that the silence be lifted. Jazz, who has lived experience of eight years of depression, understands first-hand the power people find in realising they are not alone.
Thanks to Jazz’s extraordinary vision, and her authentic and engaging manner, her story provides epiphanies for every viewer concerned about Aotearoa’s suicide statistics and the fate of our rangatahi. Tangibly carrying the weight of responsibility intrinsic in such sensitive subject matter, Pooley’s film opens a window, through Jazz, for us all to lean in to the challenge to be part of making the world better.
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In the increasing public discourse on mental health, Leanne Pooley’s inspiring and fearless documentary tracks an extraordinary young woman’s journey from suicide survivor to advocate for those struggling. The fact it leaves you hopeful and with tangible advice makes it vital viewing.
Almost a film-within-a-film, The Girl on the Bridge explores the emotional tightrope to be walked when tackling a taboo and emotional topic. It follows 21-year-old Jazz Thornton during the pivotal two-year period she was emerging out of her own struggles with suicide to become a powerful advocate for mental health. During this time, she was also embarking on a personal project, the award-winning 2019 web series Jessica’s Tree, which pays reflective tribute to the eponymous friend whose life she could not save.
New Zealanders are aware of our suicide statistics and with a similar kaupapa to Maui’s Hook (NZIFF18), director Pooley and Thornton demand that the silence be lifted. Jazz, who has lived experience of eight years of depression, understands first-hand the power people find in realising they are not alone.
Thanks to Jazz’s extraordinary vision, and her authentic and engaging manner, her story provides epiphanies for every viewer concerned about Aotearoa’s suicide statistics and the fate of our rangatahi. Tangibly carrying the weight of responsibility intrinsic in such sensitive subject matter, Pooley’s film opens a window, through Jazz, for us all to lean in to the challenge to be part of making the world better.