Private Project

Not Alone Short Documentary

Driven by a desire to understand why her best friend killed herself at 16, Jacqueline Monetta asks teens to share their struggles with mental illness and suicide attempts. Through her intimate teen-to-teen conversations, Jacqueline, and the audience learn about depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide attempts, getting help and treating mental illness. Each teen paints a vivid picture of the depths of despair he/she suffered and how talking about it saved them. They assure the audience that mental illnesses, like physical illnesses, can and should be treated.

  • Jacqueline Monetta
    Director
    none
  • Kiki Goshay
    Director
    The Job
  • Kiki Goshay
    Writer
    The Job
  • Jacqueline Monetta
    Writer
  • Kiki Goshay
    Producer
    The Job
  • Jacqueline Monetta
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 3, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    250,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Impact Doc Awards
Director Biography - Jacqueline Monetta, Kiki Goshay

Jacqueline Monetta is a student at Duke University. She was a high school student and had no prior film experience before committing herself to making a documentary to allow teens to speak frankly about mental illness and suicide. She found teens willing to talk to her about their suicide attempts and recovery.

At Duke, Jacqueline studies Public Policy and is receiving two certificates in Documentary Studies and Policy, Journalism, and Media Studies. She is a senator for the Equity and Outreach Committee for the Duke student government and specifically works on policy and events surrounding mental health awareness, sexual assault prevention, and multiculturalism. She is a student research assistant for the Duke's Rutherford Living History program and a member of the Duke Association for Business Oriented Women. As a member of a film organization entitled Students of the World, Jacqueline directs her efforts toward filmmaking to spark social and political change.

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Director Statement

Teen suicide must be talked about. At least 4,600 teens die by suicide each year. I want to spark conversation among teens and young adults about "the elephant" in the room. As a peer, friend, or community, we must encourage students to reach out and tell them they are not alone. It is my wish to bring together those who feel isolated, open up the eyes of those who are unaware of the severity, and give a sense of hope for those who feel discouraged.