Memphis Women Open Up: A Journey Through Mental Health in New Documentary
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ In a heartfelt exploration of mental health, two local filmmakers, Jessica Chaney and Amanda Willoughby, have brought forward the all-important stories of five Memphis women in their groundbreaking documentary “I AM.” This film delves into the ups and downs of life, motherhood, and careers through the unique lenses of these women, each navigating her own mental health journey.
A Personal Mission
The inspiration behind this documentary is deeply personal for Chaney and Willoughby. Willoughby revealed, โIt just really came out of my own struggles with mental health and starting to reach out into the community, especially the Black community and Black women, around how they were working through issues with their mental health and the challenges that they were having.โ This understanding and experience are what fueled their desire to shine a light on an often-stigmatized subject.
Interestingly, both filmmakers share a commonality โ they are Black women who grapple with anxiety. This connection to the subject matter prompted them to dig deeper, as Willoughby admitted, โWe wanted to explore that.โ Their goal was to not only share their perspectives but to bring forth the voices of women who typically shy away from discussing their mental health openly.
Discovering Hidden Stories
Throughout the process, Chaney and Willoughby uncovered profound narratives. โI heard things that we’ve never even talked about in private conversations that came out in the interview,โ Chaney stated. โI was able to learn how these incredible women deal with their personal struggles while facing incredible challenges in their lives.โ Itโs a reminder that everyone has stories โ some intimate and some incredibly difficult โ but often these struggles remain hidden behind a brave face.
The documentary promises to be both eye-opening and relatable, offering insights into how women in Memphis are dealing with their mental health and the secrecy that often accompanies it. The filmmakers have made it their mission to break the silence and shed light on what struggling can look like behind closed doors. โWe wonโt stop giving a voice to people who might be struggling to speak up,โ they said with conviction.
Looking Ahead
Excitingly, Chaney and Willoughby have plans to expand this initiative. Willoughby shared her dreams of transforming this project into a docuseries. โI’ve always wanted to turn this into a docuseries, so that is the dream of getting more stories and more women,โ she expressed. The feedback they have received has been nothing short of overwhelming, with numerous women reaching out, eager to share their own narratives. โAfter putting this out there, we’ve had so many women coming to us telling us, ‘I have some story to tell. When can I get interviewed?โโ This enthusiasm and willingness to speak up indicate that the conversation around mental health is perhaps finally starting to shift in Memphis.
How to Watch
If youโre curious to see the powerful stories presented in “I AM,” you can check it out by downloading the PBS app. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain more insight into the mental health experiences of these remarkable women, showcasing their strength and vulnerability.
In a world where mental health remains a taboo topic in many circles, Chaney and Willoughby are challenging that norm and fostering a supportive community through storytelling. Their journey highlights the importance of speaking up and supporting one another. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a film that aims to unite, inform, and inspire!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
