Kaia Hathaway’s short film, You Are Not Alone is a touching story about high school student struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. The film is meant to urge those in a similar situation to hold on because, as the title suggests, they are not alone. Thank you for taking some time for our questions.
Chris McClure, UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): First of all, what inspired you to make You are Not Alone?
Kaia Hathaway (KH): Suicide prevention has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve known several students that have lost their lives to suicide and I always wished I could have done something to help. Some friends and I were always so adamant about helping those who we may not have spoken to personally.
(UM): The main actor, Ella Massaglia, did an amazing job. Could you tell us about your directing style and how you got such a great performance?
(KH): I have to admit, Ella made is incredibly easy on me by already having experience with acting. She was great to work with and follow my notes quite well. As the director, I try to let me actors have creative freedom and react how they would if this happened to them. Though, I start most scenes by explaining to the actors the emotion I am trying to convey to the audience and any other notes that may be helpful to create the right environment.
(UM): There was a poster in the high school that read, “Wake up, Hustle, Repeat.” Was that meant to be darkly ironic, considering all the shots of Lillian putting on her shoes and trudging through one apparently pointless day after another?
(KH): As for the sign in the hallway, it was suppose to express the irony of it all. How everyday we are told to just keep going, to “wake up, hustle, and repeat”, but it’s a lot harder for other people to follow in those steps. Faculty and students try their best to helps those who are struggling, but sometimes it’s not enough.
(UM): What would have happened if Taran hadn’t texted Lillian?
(KH): I did want to make a film that was a little different than most other suicide prevention films. I wanted my audience to also be directed towards the “Taran’s” of the world. The people who see something struggling and don’t know whether or not to reach out. I hoping that You are Not Alone helps encourage people to reach out to those who may be struggling. That maybe by doing this, no one has to feel the way Lillian felt. Sometimes, a simple text is all someone needs to keep holding on a little longer. That’s part of the message I wanted to convey.
(UM): What should someone do if they’re feeling suicidal?
(KH): If someone you know may be showing signs of suicidal thoughts, which may be changes in behavior, isolation, emotional distance, or other suicidal signs, you can reach out to them by asking something as simple as “Hey, you haven’t seemed yourself lately. Do you want to talk about it?”. You can also reach out to a faculty advisor if you’re a student and you think they can better help them.
(UM): What are the warning signs we should look out for in others?
(KH): The production itself was shot in one day. We were able to plan out the items accordingly for each location. Luckily, we only had 5 different locations, but most of the filming was done at two of those locations. Filming went quite well. Things ran smoothly and we were able to shoot all the footage we needed in the time we had. It was a loaded and long day, but we all pulled through.
(UM): Could you tell us about any upcoming projects?
(KH): I am currently working on an upcoming short film about this young boy, John, who follows his passion for music despite the challenges life throws at him. He must overcome bullying, an healthy family life, and the lack of wealth. John will stop at nothing to pursue a life as a pianist. We will be filming this upcoming week and hopefully have it published by the end of August.
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