Sea Song LLC’s goal is to reach kids at the critical age when they’re deciding whether or not to smoke, and to get them to understand, at a gut level, that it’s really not worth it. In fact, that it’s cool to be tobacco-free.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 20, 2013
Producers of a unique smoking prevention program are spearheading an ambitious campaign to get their award-winning film and program into 1000 middle schools nationwide. The message to young people across America – it’s “cool to be tobacco-free.”
Each year nearly half a million Americans die prematurely from smoking – and many more suffer from a smoking-related disease. “Our vision,” says Director Stephen Messer, “was to produce a short dramatic film that gets young people to understand, on a gut level, the ultimate cost of smoking. Because as every parent knows, the only way to make a message impactful to today’s sharp-but-always-headstrong teenagers is for them to discover the significance of that message firsthand.” (Messer radio interview)
The film has won numerous awards and has been warmly received at seven film festivals. Michael Thun, MD, of the American Cancer Society, notes: “This film has the potential to open kids’ minds to the emotional costs of smoking at a stage when they can still hear this lifesaving message.”
An innovative curriculum was developed that reinforces the themes of the film with discussions, activities, and the film’s soundtrack. Says Producer Felice Bassuk, “Students learn how tobacco addiction happens, how ads and the media lure young people to start smoking, and how to stand strong in the face of peer pressure. And since 4000 American kids light up for the first time each day, it’s clear whom we need to reach.”
Reactions to the film by middle school students and teachers have been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers find it “powerful” and “moving.” Typical responses by students after watching it are, “Anyone who smokes is stupid.” “They’re killing themselves.” “I’d never start.”
But the film is not for kids only. As Elzbieta Maciejowska, of Chicago, IL, states: “I was thinking about watching this movie for a couple of months but I was not ready. Finally I watched it and it changed my life. I realized that I want to be there for my family and my little boy. I am now smoke free for 6 weeks. It was easy for me after seeing this movie. I started running every day and I plan to run a marathon next year.”
Donations start at $5 and supporters can choose from an array of rewards based on the amount they pledge. For a donation of $35, the Program will be distributed free of charge to a school designated by the donor and gifted in his/her name.
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About Sea Song LLC
Sea Song LLC, located in Chicago, IL, was founded in 2011 as an independent film company to produce THE CALL and all materials related to its smoking prevention program. Its mission is to help create a tobacco-free world using multimedia materials. Its goal is to stop kids from smoking before they begin. For more information, visit https://thecallmovie.org.
