About this project

"Every human heartbeat is a universe of possibilities" - David Gregory Roberts from the novel 'Shantaram'

ABOUT THE FILM: “HELLO, AGAIN” Is a feature length documentary about failed suicides. Some of these stories are so incomprehensible they must be heard to be believed. However, this is not a dark film; in fact, it's quite the opposite. The participants are happy, even excited to tell their stories and let us into their lives today. This is a documentary that provokes thought. It is a collection of the inspiring stories of the human struggle and the limitless potential that mankind is capable.

These incredible survivors share a very special bond, a truly happy ending in having lived. Through their unique and very personal tragedies we find new perceptions, fresh outlooks and bold changes to the way they see and react to the world around them today. In these survivors we find a new world of optimism and usefulness, a life they cannot believe they would have missed.

Our goal for "Hello, Again" is to tell the stories of these inspirational survivors, hoping to expand the universal scope to confront the issue of suicide honestly and without shame in an attempt to save others struggling to cope with their pain. By immersing ourselves in the lives of these survivors and the organizations that fight tirelessly to help, we hope to open eyes and expand minds and hearts.

I want this film to show the boundless possibilities in all of us, and to help those who are suffering and can't seem to figure it out. If telling these stories saves just one person from attempting suicide, I've accomplished my goal.

I very much hope that you will pledge but more importantly please help to promote this project by spreading the word, telling your friends, family, colleagues, therapists, people on buses, in your elevator whomever because we're all in this together!

THE TRAILER:
This trailer was shot on a borrowed camera 3 years ago, and edited by a friend and I. I've recently purchased a professional camera and have begun reshooting the participants with more in-depth footage of their lives today. Also, I've started shooting interviews with 3 brand new people I've met and been inspired by.

THE PLAN:
I plan to release 'Hello, Again' in early 2012. I've already spoken with a film distributor (who is a suicide attempt survivor himself) and he would love to release & promote the film after it is finished.

HOW I PLAN TO USE THESE FUNDS:

1. Utilize a professional documentary editor to help me for the last critical phase.

2. Bring in an animator to better visually re-enact parts of the participants stories.

3. Shoot about 80 more hours of footage, finishing the interviews with the participants, getting to know them through their work, their home lives, and their free time.

4. Travel to Austin, TX to interview one of the participants. 

5. Filming interviews with mental health professionals and experts in the field. 

6. Purchase various camera/computer equipment as needed to finish production & post-production.

7. Rent  theater halls in Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin, TX for premiers.

A successful, well-made documentary film takes an enormous amount of resources, time and effort to create! All funds raised go directly towards making this film. And $35,000 will cover just a part of my budget & time spent on this project.

If you like my campaign, help me spread the word: post it on facebook, tweet it, blog it, and in general, help me take it viral! The more money I raise through this campaign, the closer I am to releasing the film.

THE IMPACT: WHY DONATE? In order to bring our ambitious goals for “Hello, Again” to fruition, we very much need financial support. If we want to make an impact on a greater number of lives we must be adequately funded to reach as wide an audience as possible. In spirit of independent filmmaking we are asking for support from anyone and everyone who believes this is an important cause. Ultimately it is our goal to make “Hello, Again” available for domestic and international broadcasters because these are the universal stories of the human struggle.

Please join our project

HOW KICKSTARTER WORKS:
Your credit card is only charged, if and when, I reach my goal. If I do not reach my goal by the project's stated deadline, I lose ALL the money that has been pledged.

All "goodies" are only redeemable if we reach our fundraising goal. After that time, we will contact supporters to obtain any additional information necessary (ie. shipping address, sizes, etc.).

TAX DEDUCTIONS:
Contributions at the $100.00 level and above can be tax-deductible. Contact me at joelahrens@mac.com for for questions and details.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I CAN’T WAIT TO FINISH THIS FILM AND GET THE HOPE OUT!

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