Gaining Insights at The Origins Gallery

In it's continuing endeavor to serve the community in which it dwells, The Origins Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA presented a Test Screening of the documentary film titled, “Out of Sight” on Thursday July 23^rd. The film was directed by Kyle Mehaney and explores the issue of adolescents who are suffering from depression and have suicidal thoughts. The film also looks at how society (including schools and family members) treats these individuals and how the stigma that is still associated with mental illness in 2015 influences how they're regarded.

The evening began as the gallery's Director, Jody Singer, welcomed the gathering to the venue while sharing information about the gallery and the work it does to promote the arts. Mr. Singer was followed by Out of Sight's director, Kyle Mehaney, along with his associates Sarah Tomlinson and Matthew Buonanno. Together, they welcomed and expressed their appreciation to the sizable gathering to the screening. The trio then proceeded to share some brief introductory thoughts on the film before sharing it with the audience which they did as their words drew to a conclusion.

Although the film was presented as an unfinished work in progress, one could easily see the impressive cinematic skill and documentarian approach of those involved in the work. The issue of adolescent depression which often includes suicidal tendencies is presented in a series of personal stories that brings the very human emotions relating to the issue to the fore. This technique could have been easily overdone with the effect of jading the audience to the “Alright already” point but the film maker's sense of cinematic language unveils the captivating effect of each person's tale through the art of editing which sets a comfortable pace for the audience to follow and therefor maintains their unlabored attention. The look of the film (even in this stage of its development) is extremely well done which enhances its ability to inspire those who see it to discuss the otherwise unapproachable topic more fully and openingly than before viewing the film.

After the screening, the director and his associates stood before the audience in order to reprise their appreciative sentiments and to elicit commentary from the gathering. A number of the much moved audience responded to the request by silently nodding their heads in reflection. The director then announced the availability of feedback forms upon which any member of the company present could share their thoughts on the film. Everyone did so which allowed many the ability to chat individually with the director and others about the work. You'll find more photographs taken during the Out of Sight test screening in the Gaining Insights at The Origins Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154057854548761.1073741874.91146283760&type=3.

The film titled, “Out of Sight” is still being developed but is planned to become a feature length documentary film dealing with Adolescent Depression, it's effects it has on the infected and their families, societal attitudes toward the issue, and the devastating results the condition could have including suicide. The director of the film is Kyle Mahaney and other individuals involved in making the film in various capacities include Jessie Minor, Aimee Bender, Sarah Tomlinson, and Matthew Buonanno. The goal of the film is to utilize it as a tool to reach out and start a conversation about Mental health which is a topic that is often push aside (ie kept “Out of Sight”) through sharing people’s personal experiences of coping with their depression. It is hoped Out of Sight will be entered into Film Festivals and gain a great deal of recognition for its cinematic qualities and much deserved attention to the issue it conveys. You can learn more about the film, it's progression, and how to help share it with others by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/outofsightdoc?fref=ts or their Website at www.outofsightdocumentary.com.

In addition to presenting special community related events, The Origins Gallery holds exhibitions featuring the work of local artists. Their current exhibition is titled, “The Fantasies and Imaginings” which will continue to be on display until August 2^nd. Their next exhibition to be presented is titled, “Surreal Estate of Mind – Abstracts and Apertures Exhibition” with an Artists' Reception scheduled for Saturday August 8^th beginning at 6pm. The work will remain on display until August 23^rd. All artists wishing to be a part of the exhibit are invited to drop of their renderings on Thursday August 6^th from 5pm until 8pm and Friday August 7^th from 2pm until 6pm. The Origins Gallery also holds several classes related to the arts designed to magnify the creative instinct that lies within.

The Origins Gallery is located on the lower level of The Gamers Edge Comics and Games Store www.facebook.com/TheGamersEdgeStroudsburg?fref=ts which can be found at 580 Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA. The Origins Gallery is a contemporary arts gallery within the Pocono Art District having one of the highest and fastest sales records in the Stroudsburg area, provides a space to those who teach the arts to those who would like to learn from them, and continues to do everything with the local community in mind. You can learn more about The Origins Gallery by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/OriginsGalleryStroudsburg or their website at www.originsgallery.org.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.