Utah-made film shines light on suicide crisis, aims for theater release

SALT LAKE CITY — Rickey Jewkes didn’t set out to make just another film — he wanted to spark conversation, and maybe, save lives.

“We know a lot of friends and loved ones who have struggled with suicidal ideation — many who are no longer with us, and those that still are. This movie is a tribute to them,” the writer, director and editor said.

“Last Seven Days” follows a fictional U.S. Army veteran as he documents the final week before a suicide attempt. The film explores isolation, trauma and the invisible wounds many veterans carry long after their service ends.

The nearly two-hour independent film is told through a video diary-style format — something Jewkes said was intentional.

“We wanted to tell it from the perspective of someone leaving behind a vlog instead of a letter,” he said. “And how haunting that might be — and how someone can see warning signs before it’s too late.”

The entire film was shot in Utah, using local locations to ground a story that reflects a national — and global — crisis. The project has already garnered global attention with supporters from around the world donating and asking to see the film.

“This hits home,” said Paul Sonnier Jr., the film’s lead actor and producer.

Sonnier Jr. is the son of a veteran and said he has lost friends to suicide.

“It was very emotional and very taxing, but to be able to portray that and go through this rollercoaster ride with the character … it was an honor to feel like I was giving back through their stories and how they felt,”  he said.

The filmmakers said “Last Seven Days” isn’t just for veterans, but for anyone who has struggled with depression, isolation or feeling alone.

“If it saves only one life through all of this, the whole thing will have been worth it,” Jewkes said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rickey Jewkes (@rickeyjewkes)

The trailer for “Last Seven Days” will be released online on Feb. 2. Jewkes said they hope to reach 100,000 followers on Instagram to help land a distribution deal and bring the film to theaters.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, anytime.

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.

These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services

Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.