To make NAMI-NYC’s impact real for audiences, we highlighted the power of resilience in mental health recovery by focusing on the stories of two community members, Miguel and Sabrina. We intentionally steered away from visual or narrative tropes often associated with stories of depression and suicide loss, focusing instead on everyday moments that conveyed strength and hope. Throughout the interview process, our crew worked with exceptional care with Miguel and Sabrina: we explained each step, asked for input to ensure every moment felt true to them, and moved at their pace to create a space that validated their lived experience, allowing their stories to unfold authentically. In the edit we paired those conversations with B roll and family photos selected by the interviewees, to capture warmth and connection in their day-to-day lives, representing the support they’ve found through NAMI-NYC on their journeys.

Our people-centered approach helped Miguel and Sabrina feel confident sharing difficult parts of their lives and validated NAMI-NYC’s decision to take the risk on a suicide-prevention story for their gala, resulting in a final video that helped exceed NAMI’s fundraising goal.