Prescription:suicide? Premieres November 10th, 2005 at the 20th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival

    /24-7PressRelease/ - October 15, 2005 - Six families who experienced having antidepressant drugs prescribed to their children, dramatically describe their feelings and reactions, their relationships with the medical professionals involved, and how they cope with the tasks of daily living and challenges resulting from these medications. By discussing their emotions and effects these drugs had on their family, they provide insight into this complex part of their lives. Caroline Downing (Candace Downing's sister, who committed suicide at age 12 last year after being prescribed Zoloft) narrates the documentary in a compelling story-telling fashion, delivering a powerful performance that captures the heart and soul of the audience.

As the film unfolds, we meet a range of individuals - some shy, some outspoken. Many have experienced tragedies and their pain is undeniable, yet with strength, humor and resilience, they love, care, struggle and speak for those who are no longer with us.

Ultimately they realized that they were given false and insufficient information along with improper diagnoses that turned their worlds upside down and changed their lives forever. Only through their personal perseverance were they able to find out what really happened to their children, uncover the information that was withheld and begin rebuilding faith in their own lives.

Vividly shot with real families across the United States, it is yet a project with global implications that strikes at the very meaning of medical traditions in our modern society. The film captures a sense of the arguments in an ongoing controversy that affects millions of Americans, which ultimately asks the question if these so-called revolutionary medications can be used safely.

"There are tens of thousands of children on anti-depressants and families and people affected by these medications. The film is for them and for their families", says David Garland, co-producer of Prescription:suicide?.

Some people call them "miracle" drugs. But can they be safely administered? Can physicians - can the drug manufacturers themselves - adequately understand the risks these newly developed drugs pose to their patients? This film lets families directly impacted take the center stage. They share their stories, speaking from their hearts and it is through their experiences that an understanding is being gained that is essential, even critical, when making a decision about the use of these medications.

Prescription:suicide? was directed by Robert Manciero, a five time Emmy award winner, teamed up with Rich Samuels who specializes in youth-interest and youth-issue programs which garnered him three Emmys.

Mathy Downing, mother of Candace, along with Caroline Downing will be at the Ft. Lauderdale premiere and available for questions, comments and media interviews to support the film.

To purchase tickets for the premiere showing visit:
http://www.fliff.com/2005/tickets.htm

For more details about this film and the festival visit:
http://www.fliff.com/2005/films/prescriptionsuicide.htm

For direct contact with the filmmakers contact:
David Garland (co-producer)
Phone: (818) 681-2105
Email: [email protected]

For more information on the web, visit:
http://www.prescriptionsuicide.com

A statement for the media by the Downing family:
http://www.prescriptionsuicide.com/downingmedia.html

An interview with the filmmakers:
http://www.prescriptionsuicide.com/interviewfm.html

Full Vision Productions
3115 Foothill Blvd - Suite 109
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Phone: (818) 515-3554
Email: [email protected]

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