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A documentary about the mental health crisis among youth in America.
Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.
Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.
From
Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness
The experiences of young people who struggle with mental health challenges.
Trailer
Hiding in Plain Sight
Youth Mental Health Resources
In support of Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, WETA Washington, D.C., the flagship public media station in the nation’s capital, launched Well Beings Youth Mental Health Project, a major public media multi-platform project to address mental health conditions.
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Photo Gallery
1/20
Evan Barlow (Assistant Camera) and Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) on location in Wyoming.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
2/20
Amira is an advocate and support for her brother Xavier, who struggles with mental health challenges.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
3/20
Angel belongs to a group of students who lobbied for better mental-health care in schools after one of their best friends died by suicide
4/20
Anna is a high-school student in Rhode Island and a member of Every Student Initiative.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
5/20
Ava is a high-school student in Rhode Island and a member of Every Student Initiative.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
6/20
Amethyst talks about her mental health journey during her interview in Texas.
Photo by Julie Coffman
7/20
Rick Bruno shares his mission to honor his son, Nathan, who died by suicide in 2017.
Photo by Julie Coffman
8/20
Director Erik Ewers conducts an interview while Christopher Ewers films.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
9/20
Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) films a Portsmough High School football game.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
10/20
David Blistein, writer of "Hiding in Plain Sight," at his home office in Vermont.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
11/20
Dr. Sarah Vinson discusses youth mental health as the camera rolls.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
12/20
Director of Photography Christopher Ewers takes a moment to connect with a therapy horse on location in California.
Photo provided by Susan Shumaker
13/20
Composer David Cieri, along with other musicians, at a music recording session in New York.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
14/20
Christopher Ewers and Evan Barlow work together for a shot of Xavier on his skateboard.
Photo provided by Kara Mickley
15/20
Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) films Lydia in her room at a California rehab facility.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
16/20
Maclayn talks about his mental health journey during his interview in Montana.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
17/20
Morgan talks about her mental health journey during her interview in Florida.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
18/20
Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) onstage filming a Disturbed concert.
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
19/20
Sam Spielberg (Assistant Producer) and Becca Connolly (Assistant Editor) attend the 2021 Every Student Initiative Gala.
Photo provided by Samantha Spielberg
20/20
Co-Directors Erik and Christopher Ewers, Alexis, Producer Julie Coffman and Assistant Camera Evan Barlow.
Photo by Julie Coffman
About the Film
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts.
The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience. Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, help advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues today.
Ken Burns Presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness a Film by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers is a production of Florentine Films, Ewers Brothers Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. Directed by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers. Written by David Blistein. Produced by Julie Coffman. Co-produced by Susan Shumaker, Erik Ewers, Christopher Loren Ewers, and David Blistein. Executive produced by Ken Burns. Executive producers for WETA are John F. Wilson and Tom Chiodo. WETA project management by Kate Kelly. WETA production management by Jim Corbley.
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