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A movie's message of hope for holidays

By Ernest Hooper, Times columnist
Published December 18, 2007

For some people, "happy holidays" is an oxymoron.

Folks have a tendency to assess where they are in life, often recalling lost loved ones, failed relationships, family feuds and career disappointments. The examination becomes more difficult against the backdrop of joyous songs that suggest there is something wrong with you if you aren't happy this time of the year.

A new film making its Tampa Bay area premiere tonight examines the challenges of holiday blues and offers a message of hope.

Midnight Clear will be screened at Tampa Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The movie stars Stephen Baldwin and is written by director Dallas Jenkins and his father, best-selling author Jerry Jenkins (Left Behind series). All three will attend.

In the movie, Baldwin's character is a jobless, middle-aged alcoholic who has a chance encounter with an elderly woman who is estranged from her family. Both are contemplating suicide.

Malcolm Teasdale, owner of a Tampa-based marketing firm, crafted the idea of a local premiere after Baldwin invited him to the USA Film Festival earlier this year. The movie's treatment of suicide and holiday depression captured Teasdale's heart, in part because of several high-profile local suicides.

"It's been around many of us," Teasdale said. "It's impacted my own personal family. I've seen it happen with others. It's a very touching thing."

Proceeds from the event will go to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Teasdale expects to net between $50,000 and $100,000 for the event, with Bank of Florida already serving as a primary sponsor. Tickets to the premiere and a special VIP reception are $150, while general admission tickets are $10.

Suicide does not necessarily increase during the holidays, but sensitivity toward certain issues are certainly heightened, said Dennis Ross, the center's chief executive officer.

The premiere will allow the center a chance to raise awareness using a medium not often associated with mental wellness, said Donna Todd, the center's senior vice president.

"It's totally a wonderful opportunity," Todd said. "It's very well-written, very well-produced. It talks about different scenarios where people make different decisions."

Teasdale said he also views the premiere as a chance to bring a "red carpet" event to Tampa, and heighten the area as a destination for filmmakers. In recent months, he has dealt with a number of production companies about filming in the Tampa Bay area. Those executives will be in attendance.

Still, Teasdale said shining the spotlight on an important issue remains paramount.

"The bottom line is we can all jump in and help some people realize tomorrow can be brighter," Teasdale said. "Amongst the ruins are opportunities to grab on to and move forward."

In an ideal world, the holidays' festive nature would wash away any lingering sadness. But the reality is this is not the most wonderful time of the year for some people.

If you need help or just someone to talk to, you can reach a crisis center counselor by dialing 211.

That's all I'm saying.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 08:47:31]