My Digital Story is about the lose of a friend who grew and became a brother. I lost him to suicide. My story is told in a First-Person Point of View. This video visualizes my feelings on the lose and navigating life after the lose.
The toll suicide and mental health issues take on individuals, families, and communities is profound, and it has lead many to consider it a form of generational trauma. In recent years, statistics indicate a troubling rise in suicide rates across different age groups. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 10 to 24. This increase reflects not only individual struggles but also a broader cultural shift. Young people today are faced with intense academic pressures, social media scrutiny, and a rapidly changing job market, all of which can increase mental health issues. The impact of these external factors can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation, contributing to the decision to take one's own life.
The emotional effects of suicide extend beyond the individual to their families and communities. When someone takes their own life, it leaves a profound sense of grief and confusion among loved ones. Families may struggle to understand the reasons behind the act, often grappling with feelings of guilt and blame. This cycle of pain can span generations, as children of those who have died by suicide may carry feelings of abandonment and unresolved trauma. They may also be at a higher risk for mental health issues themselves, perpetuating a cycle of emotional distress within families. suicide undoubtedly affects generations in multiple ways. It is not merely a personal tragedy but a communal one that results in widespread emotional repercussions.
My experience, however, forced me to think creatively as to how i should visualize this part of my life. I was inspired to try different perspectives and creative methods to combine seemingly unconnected material into a cohesive narrative by combining every bit of footage I had. I was able to look into and comprehend the events surrounding my creation by making this short film. Editing turned into a reflective activity that helped me face my past and the mental health issues that have surfaced recently. I learnt that creating art may be therapeutic as a result of this creative attempt. In addition to improving my editing abilities, it has expanded my knowledge of mental health. I've discovered a positive outlet in art that promotes introspection and personal development as a result of consistently attending to my mental health.
By embracing all my footage, I was both challenged and rewarded with a deeper understanding of storytelling and the importance of mental health.
When brainstorming ideas for how i wanted the outcome of my digital story to look like, i felt drawn to cinematic videography. The term "cinematic" refers to the qualities that make a video feel like a film. Two of the primary reasons as to why i opted for a cinematic style was because i wanted my video to be emotionally engaging as well as to be visually appealing. By using this style i was able to allow my audience to engage deeply and narrate my story in a way that resonated/s with them. This cinematic approach not only enhanced my narrative but also enriched the overall experience for me as i was creating my story.
Music played a big role in my digital story. Sound tells a story in and of itself. Music is a powerful tool that can evoke emotions, set the tone, and provide context to the narrative being shared. When combined with my storytelling, my playlist was able to transform the listening experience, making my story more engaging and relatable. The main reason as to why i used the songs i used was to create an emotional connection with my audience. -[OPENING] SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS WITH UNITED BY GRIEF BY KENDRICK LAMAR PLAYS WHICH LASTS FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS (0:10-0:24). In an article i read it stated " early on in “United In Grief,” Kendrick reveals he’s been “going through something” and we learn he’s speaking with a therapist. In this opening song, his lyrics introduce themes of family and generational trauma, acceptance from a damaged and scornful culture, and healing." This made United by Grief a suited song for my intro as it set the tone that i was aiming for. As the video continued i decided to us Khangela by Bongeziwe, Sinazo by Amanda Black and Cry by Cigarettes after sex as it allowed my video to convey an emotional yet comforting vibe to it.
As I reviewed the footage, I realized that even the clips I initially dismissed held potential. I made use of all my footage in the video as it proved beneficial in many ways. This approach of using all my footage challenged me to think creatively during the editing process.
The journey of life is often marked by profound connections and heart-wrenching departures. My digital story reflects the loss of a friend who grew into a brother. This personal narrative, presented through a video format, served as both an homage to our friendship and a process of healing. I struggled to process my grief, often feeling lost and overwhelmed by guilt. I questioned if I could have done something to help him; if I had picked up on the signs earlier. This project serves not only as a tribute to our friendship but also as a platform to discuss the importance of mental health.
The act of putting together these fragments became a therapeutic process. While the pain of loss lingered, I found comfort in preserving his spirit in a way that could be shared with others. This project became a dialogue, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationships and the importance of being present for those who may be suffering. Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and connection. Through my digital story, I aimed to foster understanding regarding mental health issues and to spark conversations that could prevent further tragedies.
As I reflect on my journey with loss, I recognize the importance of continued advocacy for mental health awareness. The experience of losing my friend taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, understanding, and the necessity of prioritizing our mental well-being. my digital story serves as both a heartfelt memorial to my brother and a call to action. By embracing open conversations and fostering supportive communities, we can work towards a world where mental health is prioritized, and individuals feel empowered to seek help. Through storytelling, we can bridge the gap between isolation and connection, ensuring that no one feels they must face their struggles alone.
Below is my storyboard:
Storyboard breakdown
- [OPENING] Slide show of photos with united by grief by Kendrick Lamar playing which will last 10 seconds. Next typography will play narrating what the audio is saying. This will play for about 3 to 5 seconds. Wide shot of sky as Khangela by Bongeziwe plays. Close Up shot of birds taking off and flying as information on mental health appears over video. Close up shot of a tall building. Transition to scream split into 3 horizontally with close up top view of Lwando . A close up shot of Lwando. mirror view. Transition to wide shot of narrators on the sofa. TRANSITION TO WIDE SHOT OF NARRATORS ON THE SOFA WITH A MIRROR REFLECTION. TRANSITION TO A CLOSE UP SHOT OF HAND TRYING TO REACH FOR THE SKY. IT PLAYS BACK TO BAC WITH SOMEONE SCREAMING. SOMEONE SCREAMING. TRANSITION TO CLOSE UP FROM THE TOP. CLOSE UP SHOT OF NARRATORS FROM THE TOP.
SCRIPT
Kendrick Lamar -
United In Grief (0:10-0:24)
-[OPENING] SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS WITH UNITED BY GRIEF BY
KENDRICK
LAMAR PLAYING WHICH WILL LAST 10
SECONDS
-TYPOGRAPHY NARRATING WHAT THE
AUDIO IS SAYING. THIS WILL LAST 3-4 SECONDS
-VOICE OVER WITH SLIDE SHOT OF MENTAL HEALTH
PICTURES OPENING LINE:
Lwando: According to statistics,
In South Africa there are 23 suicides a day recorded and 230 serious attempts.
We live in a stressful society.
Lwando: Mental health is a state
of mental well-being that allows people to cope with the stresses of life,
realize their abilities, learn well, work well, and contribute to their
community.
-VIDEO TRANSITIONS FROM SLIDE
SHOT
-VOICE OVER (KINETIC TYPOGRAPHY WITH PICTURES)
Lwando: The experience of losing
someone close to me was painful and it brought about confusion, stress and
grief. This tragic event did bring about a positive impact in my life as this
change manifested into personal growth, how I perceive relationships, and a
bigger understanding of mental health.
-INTRO OPENING SCENE
-(INTRODUCING NARRATOR/S)
-Close up shot of Lwando looking
into the lens.
Lwando: Hi, my name is Lwando and
this is my story on how I went from talking to someone every day to not at all
due to a sudden departure.
-TRANSITION TO WIDE SHOT OF
NARRATORS ON A SOFA
ANONYMOUS: You mentioned sudden
departure. Was it sudden?
Lwando: That’s what I believed
for a very long time. But thinking and talking about it now, it wasn’t sudden
afterall. He did disconnect from us.
-TO WIDE SHOT OF NARRATORS ON A
SOFA FROM THE TOP SLOWLY ZOOMING INTO THEM.
ANONYMOUS: How was it like losing
him?
Lwando : Confusing. From speaking
almost every day to nothing at all was mostly saddening for me. He looked and
sounded happy.
Lwando:The screams that echoed
all around the house after he died sometimes played in my head. I believe I am
all healed up now because this loss does not scare me anymore.
ANONYMOUS: I think that‘s
brave.
ANONYMOUS: Have you ever thought
about it before?
Lwando: Thought about what?
ANONYMOUS: Suicide.
[Sinayo- Amanda Black]
- TRANSITION TO SPLIT SCREEN WITH
CLOSE UPS OF LWANDO WALKING BY
-WIDE SHOT OF THE SKY
Lwando: Losing him to suicide
compelled me to confront my feelings and my own mental health. Grieving led to
a much bigger awareness of mental health issues and the importance of seeking
help when needed.
TRANSITION TO SLIDE SHOT WITH
PICTURES OF THE SUBJECT
Lwando: This experience made me
reflect, learn more about my own emotions and struggles. This journey prepared
me with better tools to handle stress and challenges in my life. This loss grew
my empathy towards others. Experiencing the death of someone close to me
allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of mental health
and the pain that others face.
Lwando: We grew up together. He
was more than a brother, he was a friend.
(TRANSITION TO A VIDEO OF THE
SUNSET)
transition into a picture of a beautiful sunset with
kinetic typography
Then Cry - Cigarettes After Sex starts playing. From (
0:24-0:53)
Lwando: Despite losing him, I was
able to carry on with life. I cherish the memories and laughter we shared
together. This loss has made me grow as a person. Not only am I aware of my
mental health but of those around me. Being aware of others' mental health has
allowed me to connect more with them.
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