Naperville native AnnMarie Parker got her inspiration close to home for “I’m Fine,” the 30-minute feature film that debuts Wednesday evening at the Naperville Independent Film Festival.
“I was looking for a project to involve Naperville and Naperville Central High School, so I started by gathering a class full of high school students,” said Parker, a 1990 Central graduate. “I asked them, ‘What is your biggest issue?’ They talked about pressures and stresses in high school and suicide. It all started there.”
In 2012, Parker began work on “I’m Fine,” which tackles the topic of teen suicide. She joined forces with Carl Evans of Hope For the Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using visual mediums to encourage deeper understanding of suicide and mental health issues. The duo serve as co-executive producers.
More Top Picks Bluetooth Speaker
“I reached out to Carl and we started working collaboratively,” Parker said. “We wanted a suicide awareness film where students can start the conversations about their feelings and thoughts.”
The story revolves around high school student Kimberly Banks, who dies by suicide, and the aftermath that takes place among her friends, family and community. Naperville resident April Johnson brought Parker’s vision to life, and is making her professional screenwriting debut.
“I think that as sad and tragic as the subject matter it, in many ways ‘I’m Fine’ is also hopeful,” Johnson said. “I wanted it to be a way of starting a dialogue because that was AnnMarie’s vision.”
Filming began in 2014 and included about 75 people, many from Naperville, including students who served as extras. Scenes were shot at several city locations, including Naperville Central High School, Centennial Beach, Pioneer Park and the Naperville Art League.
“It was just incredible how the city embraced us,” Johnson said. “It was really amazing to be here. You see movies all the time where producers use their hometown and we got to do that in Naperville.”
Lisa Murtaugh Gangi, of Naperville, is one of the film’s actors.
“The reason I wanted to get involved in this film is that it’s a subject that on some level – with varying degrees of intensity – we can all relate to,” Gangi said. “Teen years can be tough and challenging and scary for both parents and kids.”
Gangi said if “I’m Fine” impacts even one person, all their efforts will be worthwhile.
Parker shared the sentiment.
“If even one person sees the film and decides to talk to somebody, I’ve done my job,” Parker said.
In addition, part of the Hope For the Day collaboration means that “I’m Fine” will be screened at area high schools at no charge.
“Even if it never goes to another film festival, I know it’s going to high schools and I know it is helping,” Parker said. “It’s going to start the conversations about mental health and suicide awareness.”
‘I’m Fine’
What: Naperville Independent Film Festival entry
When:5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14
Where:Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 Route 59
Information: Naperfilmfest.org