Hot Docs - 32 Pills: My Sister’s Suicide
She’s beautiful, artistic, loved and can’t stand to be alive. 32 Pills; My Sister’s Suicide traces my efforts to piece together the life, mental illness, and suicide of my sister Ruth.
Interview with Director Hope Litoff
Watch 32 Pills: My Sister’s Suicide on Tubi, Prime Video and DocPlay
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I initially started making this film as a way to learn more about my sister after her death than perhaps I could during her life. When she committed suicide I put all of her belongings into storage, everything from her old socks to her beautiful large-scale artwork and personal journals. Having been a doc editor for many years I foolishly thought that filming the experience would somehow provide a protective layer from the grief I knew I would have to finally face. As the project grew I realized that I am not alone with this kind of storage space, and was motivated to keep moving forward so others who had lost someone to suicide could see that they are not alone.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think anyone could benefit from learning more about mental illness, suicide and the devastation it leaves in its wake. Talking about it is one of the last taboos and only keeps people isolated and in the dark. But the film, I hope, is a work of art in itself-- not a lesson or full of statistics. My crew and I worked very hard to make the film look beautiful, as well as to capture the emotions and raw honesty of what happens when we start to unpack our secrets. It is a film about sisters, loss and a bit of redemption.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Everything in the film is personal! Themes of family, grief and coming to terms with painful truths are universal. We are only as sick as our secrets. I am hoping that by sharing my secrets I will encourage others to do the same and find some solace in this process.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been very positive. I have been surprised by how many people have confessed to me that they too lost someone to suicide and that this was the first time they were sharing the information. I am saddened by their loss but hopeful that a safe space for sharing will be the result of this film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I have been encouraged by the feedback to be as honest as I can—to not try to tie the film up in a happy bow. It isn’t how grief works and wouldn’t feel right.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The more people that are comfortable talking about suicide, both those who have lost a loved one and those who may want to support a friend, the better. I think often we want to say something but are afraid to offend or upset. The more we talk and listen the better
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are so fortunate to have HBO as our American distributor! But of course we would love this to be an international film. Suicide is a problem everywhere. If journalists wrote about it and kept the conversation going, if the word suicide were no longer whispered, part of my dreams for this film would be realized.
At the same time, we are still looking for organizational partners for our outreach strategy – organizations in the mental health and bereavement space that are working to help individuals and families with their own struggles. Our goal is that the film is seen in all kinds of settings – in theaters, living rooms, class rooms, and where people gather to find support. We know that having key national and local partners will really help the film to have the impact we’re hoping for.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love the film to be embraced as a brave depiction of my story that could be understood on a universal level. I want other survivors to feel less alone. I still choke on the word “suicide” when I have to say it. I want us to be more comfortable with this sad truth and support one another.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
My producer Beth Levison is still working on 32 Pills, but also developing and producing a number of other projects.
My editor Toby Shimin is now onto another film with the incredibly talented Alexandra Shiva (How to Dance in Ohio), who was a story consultant on 32 Pills.
Our director of photography Dan Gold is always busy filming and will join us at Hot Docs!
We are still on this journey, presenting the film to the world at Hot Docs for the first time. I am both excited and scared sharing such a personal film. The reception of 32 Pills will guide my future outreach goals and projects.
Interview: April 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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32 Pills: My Sister’s Suicide
She’s beautiful, artistic, loved and can’t stand to be alive. 32 Pills; My Sister’s Suicide traces my efforts to piece together the life, mental illness, and suicide of my sister Ruth.
Length: 85 minutes
Director: Hope Litoff
Producer: Beth Levison
About the writer, director and producer:
Hope Litoff (Director) is a long time editor; 32 Pills marks her directorial debut.
Beth Levison (Producer) had a long career in television before dedicating herself to independent documentary film. Her films include THE TRIALS OF SPRING and LEMON.
Key cast:
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: Facebook.com/32pillsmovie
Twitter: @32pillsmovie
Instagram: @32pillsmovie
Funders: Artemis Rising Foundation, Chicken & Egg Pictures, Chicago Media Project, Fledgling Fund, Impact Partners, NYSCA, Sundance Institute, Lucius and Eva Eastman Fund, and a whole host of amazing individual donors.
Made in association with:
Impact Partners
Chicken & Egg Pictures
Chicago Media Project
Documentary Channel
Where can I see it in the next month?
At Hot Docs; more screenings to come!