Expressing Disorder

The Impact

There are three primary reasons why this film is so sorely needed:

1. An important fact for people to know is that eating disorders are about much more than food, weight, and one�s body, and it would be helpful for people to understand this. Using documentary film as a tool to educate on a large scale about this terrible health risk, this film can be a great advocacy program for the general public as well as community programs and educational institutions. Gaining accurate knowledge can actually give viewers hope and save lives.

2. Expressive Arts Therapies can provide communicative tools that allow the trap of an eating disorder to be transformed. These specialized therapies creatively motivate individuals with ED to reconnect with their inner self and to express what they feel even when it seems impossible. I think it's about time someone made a film that generates a larger conversation about the place that Expressive Arts Therapists have in helping women with eating disorders recover, don�t you?

3. I believe that the world is in desperate need of a film that tells a story of inspiration. I've been horrified by the type of stories that I've seen in the news or on MTV that tells hopeless stories of individuals with eating disorders. As a filmmaker, I want to help to modify negative outcomes by inspiring hope through stories of recovery rather than failure. I think that the narrative we need to produce is that if you are strong enough to seek therapy, you are strong enough to survive... and even thrive! And that's what this film is all about. I want viewers to walk out of the theater thinking, "If they can make it, I can make it too!"

 

What We Need & What You Get

So here's the deal: We need $25,000 to do this project right. We can only get it if everyone supports the project through donations and spreading the word. This goal is a totally obtainable amount if everyone who reads this gives even a little. All donations are tax deductible, too!

I've been volunteering my time for the last three years. But now that we are in Post-Production, I can't expect a professional editor, sound mixer, colorist, composer, etc. to do the same. Even after the film is completed, we will have to print and design tons of DVDs and make an educational outreach program so that schools and advocacy groups can make good use of the DVD.

Please pass information about this campaign on to as many people as you possibly can. Tell them how important it is and that all donations, big and small, count. Also, make note that those who donate will receive thank you gifts. Please take a moment to look through the funding options and find a level that matches your ability to help the success of the film. 

 

Disclaimer for E.D. Professionals

This project is produced and directed by David Alvarado, who is not an eating disorder professional. However, an advisory board composed of ED professionals, mentors and advocates, are guiding this film so it is in good hands.

For people with eating disorders, the film is designed to be non-triggering to watch. The film is a message of hope and healing, intended to encourage viewers with eating disorders to seek therapy and professional help. The therapy scenes in this film were carefully crafted by professionals and did not interfere with any patient�s process of recovery. Patients who were in advanced stages of recovery were asked to come back and tell their stories of success through the therapy sessions.

 

Advisory Board:

Dr. Annetta Ramsay PhD, LPC, NCC, Family Counselor

Carol Dietrich RN, MA, LMFT, Licensed Psychotherapist, Drama Therapist

Susan Kleinman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, Dance/movement therapist

Robyn Hussa, MFA, RYT - Founder and President of NORMAL In Schools

Jenni Schaefer - Author of Goodbye Ed, Hello Me and Life Without Ed