Movie: Out of the Shadow
is a good story this week by a North Jersey newspaper on Susan Smiley's experience with her mother's schizophrenia. If you want to learn more about a representative experience I recomment you read the story - and perhaps learn more about the movie. I saw Susan Smiley's presentation at the NAMI conference in September, 2004 and highly recommend NAMI affiliates and Schizophrenia Society groups, as well as high schools and universities consider showing it at their meetings.
Capturing an illness's frustrations
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
By TOM DAVIS
Up and down. Up and down. For years, that's how things went for Susan Smiley.
Her 63-year-old mother suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. She's been in and out of psychiatric facilities in the Chicago area. She took, and then didn't take, her medication.
Up and down. Up and down. Smiley got tired of it.
"I was sort of at wit's end with all the trials and tribulations," said Smiley, 38. "I wanted to just channel my frustrations."
One day Smiley, a filmmaker, picked up her camera and followed her mother around. She captured her pain, her unpredictability. What evolved was a nearly five-year odyssey - all caught on film - that became the subject of a cinematic exposé of the highs and lows of her mother's mental health care.
Read the Full Story - Capturing an Illness's Frustrations
Learn more about the movie, how you can rent it, and where it is showing: Out of the Shadow
You can contact the publisher of the movie at "info@outoftheshadow.com" or by phone at 310-636-0116. They have special educational programs and information packets.
Planned showings of the movie include the following, in the San Francisco area:
'Out of the Shadow' Filmmaker Will Share Family Experience and Discuss
Barriers to Care
SAN FRANCISCO, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning documentary Out
of the Shadow, which illuminates the national plight of schizophrenia through
one family's struggle, will be shown at the annual training conference of the
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare on Monday, March 14 at
4:30 p.m. PST. The audience at this national conference will consist of more
than 1000 mental health and substance abuse providers.
The making of Out of the Shadow was a personal journey for
director/producer Susan Smiley, whose mother Millie lives with schizophrenia.
The film, an official selection at the Vancouver Film Festival and SILVERDOCS: the AFI/Discovery Channel Film Festival, offers a frank look at this complex disease, dispels stigmas and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, and presents the challenges Smiley's family has faced while navigating the public health system.
Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder that affects how a person
thinks, feels and acts. More than 2 million people in the United States have schizophrenia, and 2 to 3 percent of California's adult population (486,000 to 728,000) have a severe persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia.
"Viewers of Out of the Shadow will leave the film with a heightened
understanding of the illness and the realization that all people with
schizophrenia should have access to safe, stable housing, job coaching, other psychosocial services, and the latest advances in medication technology," said Smiley.
Following the screening, Smiley will discuss the film and important issues including:
* Access -- to ensure that all people living with schizophrenia have access to integrated services and the latest and most-effective
medications and treatments they need;
* Understanding -- to raise public awareness of schizophrenia and reduce the stigma associated with this harrowing disease; and
* Recovery -- Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, with
comprehensive psychosocial support including housing, job training, counseling, and proper medication, people with this illness can learn a new way to live a satisfying and productive life.
"Out of the Shadow offers valuable insights to mental health professionals in a way that textbooks cannot," said Linda Rosenberg, MSW, CSW, President and CEO of The National Council. "This film is a 'must-see' and a call-to-action for policy decision makers who can gain critical new insights into schizophrenia and the challenges families face when navigating the public health system."
Sponsored by The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and supported by Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P., the screening is open to meeting registrants, media and the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Posted by szadmin at March 5, 2005 12:56 AM
More Information on
Schizophrenia Personal Story
I'm a foster parent licenser/trainer for a private agency in Bellingham, WA. Viewed this film presented by NAMI last week and feel it would be a great training tool for our agencies foster parents and staff. Q:is this film available for use or ownership by non-profit agencies? If so, what would be my next step(s) in acquiring this film as a training tool/resource for our agency.
Posted by: Mark Cattarin at January 19, 2006 10:51 AM
i am a college student at john jay college of criminal justice and i am majoring in forensic psychology. I am enrolled in a abnormal psychology class and i have to review a film. this documentary really sounds intrestiong and i wanted to know where i can buy it or rent it from.
Posted by: latasha at March 24, 2006 01:20 PM
I missed this movie presentation in Morehead, KY
on March 13th. I would really like to see it. Can you rent it? or where can I see it??
mwallace62@hotmail.com
Posted by: Michelle Wallace at March 29, 2006 12:36 PM
I just viewed Out of the Shadow in my Psychopathology in the cinema class. I am a Junior at Eastern Washington University. I just wanted to let you know That you created a very enlightning documentary and I was deeply moved. I know your efforts will pay off. I believe any one who sees the way your mother benefitted and improved from the new home and more structured environment, job coaching and more importantly the involvment of family, would re-evaluate
thier own methods of treating
scizophrenia and make some changes for the better. Very well done!
Posted by: Diane at April 3, 2006 02:57 PM
I am unable to attend a viewing of out of the shadow and would like to see it - can I rent or or reserve it? I am thinking it will be a great learning tool for my classes.
Posted by: Mary Garrison at May 3, 2006 05:31 PM
necesito adquirir el documental out of the shadow versión española o con subtitulos españoles urgentemente.... ¿como puedo proceder? muchas gracias
violette
Posted by: violette garélick at May 24, 2006 06:49 AM
i saw part of your film on the local public station but really would like to share the whole movie with my family. my mother in law was recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. obtaining a copy for viewing this movie as a family would be very helpful
Posted by: eron at May 27, 2006 07:07 PM
Yes, I know what Susan Smiley going thru . I should did documenentary chronicle , It could be with 21years with battle with schizophrenia husband and having a Biopalar daughter. You don"t think is a picnic! Yes. there is flaws in our mental healthcare system I'm a living proof!!!!!
Posted by: noreen peppard at June 1, 2006 05:47 AM
Susan, I also saw your documentary on my local PBS station. My brother has been diagnosed with paranoid SZ and has seizure disorder also. My frustration with him (not taking medications, not eating right, as if he was willful) and the medical system (Dan is an adult who has the right to make his own decisions - ?) and the social security system (he didn't respond to our letter so we dropped him) was all presented in your film. I am not alone. Thank you!!!
Posted by: Liz at June 14, 2006 03:00 AM
Although my mother had multiple personalities instead of paranoid schizophrenia I could relate to your movie. The ever-changing moods and unpredictability and how it effects your childhood was portrayed very well. Thank you for capturing it on film.
Posted by: Diane Moe at June 21, 2006 07:51 AM
i just watched this affecting, sobering documentary on the social theme of schizophrenia. i wasn't diagnosed with this disease until after i graduated college in my 20's. i prolly will have to be medicated for the rest of my life. i work in a library part-time shelving books. i wish i could achieve more. it fustrates me. i hope others are empowered by this documentary somehow. certainly schizophrenia is a terrible illness no matter how severe or mild. i realise that i am sick unlike millie does. thanks for encouraging others to fight for their souls.
Posted by: Hipster Joe at July 4, 2006 06:33 PM
Just saw OUT OF THE SHADOW on Ch 13 in NYC while I was away on my first two-day pass from my women's shelter for the mentally ill. While I'm (sober 25 years) manic depressive (hypomanic, mixed state) -- also depressive, I certainly could relate to Millie's attempt to get housing that she was genuinely comfortable with. It was a terrific documentary. I've been looking for a similar film on bipolar illness; I've never seen one. I'm a writer, and would love to be involved with a script. In a month I hope to get a studio or one-bedroom in Manhattan. I'm grateful that I am independent and that I have great friends. My family is busy trying to pretend they're fine, but they have some similar issues: alcoholism, panic attacks, and depression. We don't speak.
Posted by: Jane at July 26, 2006 11:07 PM
Saw the show on local PBS was totally touched by a women who survived her childhood of pain and sorrow.
My Mother was also very ill with depression and an alcoholic. She commit suicide in 1946 when I was 4 and left 3 children locked in a bedroom stuffed the door with rags but forgot thr keyhole I watched her put the chair at the oven and turned on the gas . I kept saying Mommy I have to make peepee It was 11:00 pm and My father got home at 4am I'll never forget that night it still haunts me.
Mental illness must be treated better in the health care system today.
I wish I could do something to help peoplewho are mentally ill.
I worked on the suicide helpline at our local mental health clinic and was fired by a boss who never should have been hired because he had no compsssion for the callers and said I was on the phone with them too long. He was fired last year and I will never know the reason but was happy to hear about it. We meed more documentation and stories like yours. Thank you for the best show I have ever seen on mental illness.
Posted by: Helen Siegel at August 3, 2006 10:45 PM
Hi,
I was wondering what you thought was better about the film. Was it the mother with schizophrenia or her daughter - the one that talked about trying to kill herself.
all I know is that she must have had guts to say what she said. I couldn't have done that.
what did you think of the dad?
Just wondering.
dtroy
Posted by: dtroy at August 25, 2006 04:15 PM
My Mother was an unmedicated schizophrenic, I'm 34 and still trying to deal with the impact it had on me. This film was the first time I heard someone say what I felt out loud. I can't tell you what a relief it was to know I wasn't alone and I am so grateful for Ms. Smiley. This is a wonderful portrait of the effects of Mental Illness on families.
Posted by: Dawn at October 26, 2006 06:52 PM
My mother is a paranoid schizophrenic. I too am from the Chicago area. We have experienced the ups and downs of the disease. I can remember coming home from school (5th grade) and the Fire Dept./Police Dept. were at the house. My mother was hosing down the house because she feared radio activity was present throughout. At one of her worst points my mother attempted murder (my Dad) she doesn't remember at all. When my parents finally divorced, I was the only child left at home. My siblings were old enough to be out on there own. We didn't have electric. She feared it was radioactive. We lived in the dark. I didn't know what to do, as I was just a teenager.
She feared the CIA/FBI. It was difficult but, necessary to institutionalize her on many occasions. Once my mother got enough medication and maintained her condition with medication she was able to live a normal life. We learned from one Dr. that the disease has cycles that usually break every 7 years. The important thing is medication is the balance. Tom Cruise you are wrong about your remarks regarding Mental Illness! I haven't seen the movie yet but, intend to when it is available. I read the article in People magazine which is what prompted me to respond to this website.
Posted by: Katie at November 3, 2006 05:50 AM
My frustration with him and the medical system and the social security system was all presented in your film. I am not alone.
Posted by: Joe Volpe at December 19, 2006 01:09 AM
To all the viewers of OUT OF THE SHADOW: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your sincere comments and thoughts. It has been not only touching, but also very gratifying to read the comments on this blog. I gave my heart and soul for 6 years to get this film made because I felt it was an important story to tell. I wanted to give a voice to people with serious mental illnesses, that are all too often misunderstood. I also wanted to somehow make right many of the wrongs that happened in my family, mostly with myself in my childhood, to my sister Tina, and of course, to our mother Millie. We can't change the past, but we can create a better future. And I hope my film, Out of the Shadow, continues to do it's part in enlightening many people about the much misunderstood illness of schizophrenia and the hardships and damage that can be caused when it is not treated properly. But most importantly, the film imparts the message of HOPE. Healing and recovery are possible, and even propable now. Things are changing for the better. I see it all the time. May they continue to. God bless and happy holidays to all. - You may obtain a DVD of the film at www.outoftheshadow.com
Posted by: Susan Smiley at December 20, 2006 10:14 PM
To all the viewers of OUT OF THE SHADOW: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your sincere comments and thoughts. It has been not only touching, but also very gratifying to read the comments on this blog. I gave my heart and soul for 6 years to get this film made because I felt it was an important story to tell. I wanted to give a voice to people with serious mental illnesses, that are all too often misunderstood. I also wanted to somehow make right many of the wrongs that happened in my family, mostly with myself in my childhood, to my sister Tina, and of course, to our mother Millie. We can't change the past, but we can create a better future. And I hope my film, Out of the Shadow, continues to do it's part in enlightening many people about the much misunderstood illness of schizophrenia and the hardships and damage that can be caused when it is not treated properly. But most importantly, the film imparts the message of HOPE. Healing and recovery are possible, and even propable now. Things are changing for the better. I see it all the time. May they continue to. God bless and happy holidays to all. - You may obtain a DVD of the film at www.outoftheshadow.com
The first European viewing outside America of Out of the Shadow took place in Belfast Northern Ireland and I was there as a carer. I was so glad to see Susan highlight the fact that with the proper care and attention people can recover to the point of leading a purposeful life. She also however showed the dark side of schizophrenia and how it can spiral out of control if because of people's ignorance, prejuices and fears of mental illness a blind eye is turned to it. Thank you for renewing my faith in the belief a person can recover. I am glad to say my relative is now leading a normal life.
Posted by: Maureen McParland at February 4, 2007 02:29 AM
it s rwally agreat film >but i hope to see it >please please please how can i see it or on which website can i see it because i am in arabic land>thank you
Posted by: suzy at February 21, 2008 11:16 AM
I want to buy the DVD but having problems through the out of the shadow web site. please help!!
Posted by: billy Leong at June 10, 2008 08:37 AM
I think that this is a really neat place even though I am trying to find some pages for my reasearch paper for art.
Posted by: russian lolita bbs at June 19, 2008 09:11 AM
I'm a foster parent licenser/trainer for a private agency in Bellingham, WA. Viewed this film presented by NAMI last week and feel it would be a great training tool for our agencies foster parents and staff. Q:is this film available for use or ownership by non-profit agencies? If so, what would be my next step(s) in acquiring this film as a training tool/resource for our agency.
Posted by: Mark Cattarin at January 19, 2006 10:51 AM
i am a college student at john jay college of criminal justice and i am majoring in forensic psychology. I am enrolled in a abnormal psychology class and i have to review a film. this documentary really sounds intrestiong and i wanted to know where i can buy it or rent it from.
Posted by: latasha at March 24, 2006 01:20 PM
I missed this movie presentation in Morehead, KY
on March 13th. I would really like to see it. Can you rent it? or where can I see it??
mwallace62@hotmail.com
Posted by: Michelle Wallace at March 29, 2006 12:36 PM
I just viewed Out of the Shadow in my Psychopathology in the cinema class. I am a Junior at Eastern Washington University. I just wanted to let you know That you created a very enlightning documentary and I was deeply moved. I know your efforts will pay off. I believe any one who sees the way your mother benefitted and improved from the new home and more structured environment, job coaching and more importantly the involvment of family, would re-evaluate
thier own methods of treating
scizophrenia and make some changes for the better. Very well done!
Posted by: Diane at April 3, 2006 02:57 PM
I am unable to attend a viewing of out of the shadow and would like to see it - can I rent or or reserve it? I am thinking it will be a great learning tool for my classes.
Posted by: Mary Garrison at May 3, 2006 05:31 PM
necesito adquirir el documental out of the shadow versión española o con subtitulos españoles urgentemente.... ¿como puedo proceder? muchas gracias
violette
Posted by: violette garélick at May 24, 2006 06:49 AM
i saw part of your film on the local public station but really would like to share the whole movie with my family. my mother in law was recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. obtaining a copy for viewing this movie as a family would be very helpful
Posted by: eron at May 27, 2006 07:07 PM
Yes, I know what Susan Smiley going thru . I should did documenentary chronicle , It could be with 21years with battle with schizophrenia husband and having a Biopalar daughter. You don"t think is a picnic! Yes. there is flaws in our mental healthcare system I'm a living proof!!!!!
Posted by: noreen peppard at June 1, 2006 05:47 AM
Susan, I also saw your documentary on my local PBS station. My brother has been diagnosed with paranoid SZ and has seizure disorder also. My frustration with him (not taking medications, not eating right, as if he was willful) and the medical system (Dan is an adult who has the right to make his own decisions - ?) and the social security system (he didn't respond to our letter so we dropped him) was all presented in your film. I am not alone. Thank you!!!
Posted by: Liz at June 14, 2006 03:00 AM
Although my mother had multiple personalities instead of paranoid schizophrenia I could relate to your movie. The ever-changing moods and unpredictability and how it effects your childhood was portrayed very well. Thank you for capturing it on film.
Posted by: Diane Moe at June 21, 2006 07:51 AM
i just watched this affecting, sobering documentary on the social theme of schizophrenia. i wasn't diagnosed with this disease until after i graduated college in my 20's. i prolly will have to be medicated for the rest of my life. i work in a library part-time shelving books. i wish i could achieve more. it fustrates me. i hope others are empowered by this documentary somehow. certainly schizophrenia is a terrible illness no matter how severe or mild. i realise that i am sick unlike millie does. thanks for encouraging others to fight for their souls.
Posted by: Hipster Joe at July 4, 2006 06:33 PM
Just saw OUT OF THE SHADOW on Ch 13 in NYC while I was away on my first two-day pass from my women's shelter for the mentally ill. While I'm (sober 25 years) manic depressive (hypomanic, mixed state) -- also depressive, I certainly could relate to Millie's attempt to get housing that she was genuinely comfortable with. It was a terrific documentary. I've been looking for a similar film on bipolar illness; I've never seen one. I'm a writer, and would love to be involved with a script. In a month I hope to get a studio or one-bedroom in Manhattan. I'm grateful that I am independent and that I have great friends. My family is busy trying to pretend they're fine, but they have some similar issues: alcoholism, panic attacks, and depression. We don't speak.
Posted by: Jane at July 26, 2006 11:07 PM
Saw the show on local PBS was totally touched by a women who survived her childhood of pain and sorrow.
My Mother was also very ill with depression and an alcoholic. She commit suicide in 1946 when I was 4 and left 3 children locked in a bedroom stuffed the door with rags but forgot thr keyhole I watched her put the chair at the oven and turned on the gas . I kept saying Mommy I have to make peepee It was 11:00 pm and My father got home at 4am I'll never forget that night it still haunts me.
Mental illness must be treated better in the health care system today.
I wish I could do something to help peoplewho are mentally ill.
I worked on the suicide helpline at our local mental health clinic and was fired by a boss who never should have been hired because he had no compsssion for the callers and said I was on the phone with them too long. He was fired last year and I will never know the reason but was happy to hear about it. We meed more documentation and stories like yours. Thank you for the best show I have ever seen on mental illness.
Posted by: Helen Siegel at August 3, 2006 10:45 PM
Hi,
I was wondering what you thought was better about the film. Was it the mother with schizophrenia or her daughter - the one that talked about trying to kill herself.
all I know is that she must have had guts to say what she said. I couldn't have done that.
what did you think of the dad?
Just wondering.
dtroy
Posted by: dtroy at August 25, 2006 04:15 PM
My Mother was an unmedicated schizophrenic, I'm 34 and still trying to deal with the impact it had on me. This film was the first time I heard someone say what I felt out loud. I can't tell you what a relief it was to know I wasn't alone and I am so grateful for Ms. Smiley. This is a wonderful portrait of the effects of Mental Illness on families.
Posted by: Dawn at October 26, 2006 06:52 PM
My mother is a paranoid schizophrenic. I too am from the Chicago area. We have experienced the ups and downs of the disease. I can remember coming home from school (5th grade) and the Fire Dept./Police Dept. were at the house. My mother was hosing down the house because she feared radio activity was present throughout. At one of her worst points my mother attempted murder (my Dad) she doesn't remember at all. When my parents finally divorced, I was the only child left at home. My siblings were old enough to be out on there own. We didn't have electric. She feared it was radioactive. We lived in the dark. I didn't know what to do, as I was just a teenager.
She feared the CIA/FBI. It was difficult but, necessary to institutionalize her on many occasions. Once my mother got enough medication and maintained her condition with medication she was able to live a normal life. We learned from one Dr. that the disease has cycles that usually break every 7 years. The important thing is medication is the balance. Tom Cruise you are wrong about your remarks regarding Mental Illness! I haven't seen the movie yet but, intend to when it is available. I read the article in People magazine which is what prompted me to respond to this website.
Posted by: Katie at November 3, 2006 05:50 AM
My frustration with him and the medical system and the social security system was all presented in your film. I am not alone.
Posted by: Joe Volpe at December 19, 2006 01:09 AM
To all the viewers of OUT OF THE SHADOW: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your sincere comments and thoughts. It has been not only touching, but also very gratifying to read the comments on this blog. I gave my heart and soul for 6 years to get this film made because I felt it was an important story to tell. I wanted to give a voice to people with serious mental illnesses, that are all too often misunderstood. I also wanted to somehow make right many of the wrongs that happened in my family, mostly with myself in my childhood, to my sister Tina, and of course, to our mother Millie. We can't change the past, but we can create a better future. And I hope my film, Out of the Shadow, continues to do it's part in enlightening many people about the much misunderstood illness of schizophrenia and the hardships and damage that can be caused when it is not treated properly. But most importantly, the film imparts the message of HOPE. Healing and recovery are possible, and even propable now. Things are changing for the better. I see it all the time. May they continue to. God bless and happy holidays to all. - You may obtain a DVD of the film at www.outoftheshadow.com
Posted by: Susan Smiley at December 20, 2006 10:14 PM
To all the viewers of OUT OF THE SHADOW: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your sincere comments and thoughts. It has been not only touching, but also very gratifying to read the comments on this blog. I gave my heart and soul for 6 years to get this film made because I felt it was an important story to tell. I wanted to give a voice to people with serious mental illnesses, that are all too often misunderstood. I also wanted to somehow make right many of the wrongs that happened in my family, mostly with myself in my childhood, to my sister Tina, and of course, to our mother Millie. We can't change the past, but we can create a better future. And I hope my film, Out of the Shadow, continues to do it's part in enlightening many people about the much misunderstood illness of schizophrenia and the hardships and damage that can be caused when it is not treated properly. But most importantly, the film imparts the message of HOPE. Healing and recovery are possible, and even propable now. Things are changing for the better. I see it all the time. May they continue to. God bless and happy holidays to all. - You may obtain a DVD of the film at www.outoftheshadow.com
The first European viewing outside America of Out of the Shadow took place in Belfast Northern Ireland and I was there as a carer. I was so glad to see Susan highlight the fact that with the proper care and attention people can recover to the point of leading a purposeful life. She also however showed the dark side of schizophrenia and how it can spiral out of control if because of people's ignorance, prejuices and fears of mental illness a blind eye is turned to it. Thank you for renewing my faith in the belief a person can recover. I am glad to say my relative is now leading a normal life.
Posted by: Maureen McParland at February 4, 2007 02:29 AM
it s rwally agreat film >but i hope to see it >please please please how can i see it or on which website can i see it because i am in arabic land>thank you
Posted by: suzy at February 21, 2008 11:16 AM
I want to buy the DVD but having problems through the out of the shadow web site. please help!!
Posted by: billy Leong at June 10, 2008 08:37 AM
I think that this is a really neat place even though I am trying to find some pages for my reasearch paper for art.
Posted by: russian lolita bbs at June 19, 2008 09:11 AM