Friday, May 7, 12:00 PM, Charles Theatre 4

Director: Connie Rinehart and Tom Donohue

Cast: Paul Tunkle, Mark Wilson, Mariette Hartley (narrator)

Country: U.S.
Year: 2004
Running Time: 50 minutes
Format: Beta SP

The loss of a loved one under any circumstance is difficult, but it is especially difficult for those who lose a loved one through suicide. As they first even try to simply comprehend what has happened, their homes are often treated as a crime scene as investigators must treat the death as a possible homicide. Then as the reality sets in, those left behind often must battle feelings of guilt in addition to loss as they wonder if they could have done something to prevent the death, and they sometimes have to face questions from others.

Surviving Suicide profiles several individuals and families who lost loved ones through suicide. Included are a member of the clergy who lost a daughter faces questions from some parishoners as to whether he can still lead them and a man who as a boy lost his father finally comes to terms with his father's suicide. They have now turned their efforts to using their experience to help others by trying to bring this taboo subject out into the light and by setting up outreach support mechanisms to help those who may feel ashamed to seek help on their own.

-- Dan Krovich

Laughing Dog Productions is the partnership between two area filmmakers, Connie Rinehart of Washington, DC and Tom Donohue of Baltimore, MD. They produce hour-long documentaries primarily for The Discovery Channel and National Geographic Television. Connie and Tom are filmmakers in the traditional sense of the word. They handle all creative aspects of the production. Working as a two-person crew they achieve incredible intimacy with their subjects. Both experienced editors and writers, they have the advantage of editing their own material. This past July Connie and Tom were nominated for an Emmy for Reza: Shooting Back, shot during the war in Afghanistan.