Joe Pantoliano Set for NO KIDDING! ME TOO!! Documentary Event at Ridgefield Playhouse Tonight

Actor Joe Pantoliano, well known for his leading roles in The Sopranos, Memento and The Matrix, makes his documentary directorial debut as part of his fight against the stigma and shame of mental/brain "dis-ease" (or disease).

This empowering film sheds light on the fact that nearly 100 million Americans suffer in isolation. Candid, often humorous discussions with Pantoliano and his family on their struggle with his own clinical depression, as well as the compelling stories of six other people from all walks of life, all affected differently by mental illness, including a brain surgeon with bipolar disorder and three high school students managing bipolar disorder and clinical depression, are part of the film. Each frankly discusses the struggle before diagnosis, with attempts at self-medication and other destructive behavior, as well as the hope and encouragement they discover when managing their own recovery and finally realizing they are not alone. The result is an inspiring vision of a society that "stomps the stigma", as those impacted by mental illness are surprised to find millions of others like themselves, saying, "No Kidding! Me Too!!"

There will be a silent auction in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. to benefit the non-profit No Kidding! Me Too!! organization. This event is underwritten by The Ridgefield Prevention Council and Silver Hill Hospital and is part of HamletHub's "A Whole New You Series".

This event is being offered in conjunction with May is Mental Health Month 2015. For more than 65 years, Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of May as Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. Their focus is to spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about.

For tickets ($10 suggested donation - with all proceeds benefiting No Kidding! Me Too!!, a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity, whose mission is to remove the stigma attached with brain disease), call the box office at 203-438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. Visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

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