Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Ken Burns' Hiding in Plain Sight presents an unstinting look at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.
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The Well Beings Youth Mental Health Project, which includes HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS, is made possible by Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, American...
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Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness is available to stream on pbs.org and the PBS app.
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About the Film
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts.
The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience. Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, help advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues today.
Ken Burns Presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness a Film by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers is a production of Florentine Films, Ewers Brothers Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. Directed by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers. Written by David Blistein. Produced by Julie Coffman. Co-produced by Susan Shumaker, Erik Ewers, Christopher Loren Ewers, and David Blistein. Executive produced by Ken Burns. Executive producers for WETA are John F. Wilson and Tom Chiodo. WETA project management by Kate Kelly. WETA production management by Jim Corbley.
Youth Mental Health Resources
In support of Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, WETA Washington, D.C., the flagship public media station in the nation’s capital, launched Well Beings Youth Mental Health Project, a major public media multi-platform project to address mental health conditions.
Evan Barlow (Assistant Camera) and Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) on location in Wyoming.
1/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Amira is an advocate and support for her brother Xavier, who struggles with mental health challenges.
2/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Angel belongs to a group of students who lobbied for better mental-health care in schools after one of their best friends died by suicide
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Anna is a high-school student in Rhode Island and a member of Every Student Initiative.
4/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Ava is a high-school student in Rhode Island and a member of Every Student Initiative.
5/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Amethyst talks about her mental health journey during her interview in Texas.
6/20
Photo by Julie Coffman
Rick Bruno shares his mission to honor his son, Nathan, who died by suicide in 2017.
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Photo by Julie Coffman
Director Erik Ewers conducts an interview while Christopher Ewers films.
8/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) films a Portsmough High School football game.
9/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
David Blistein, writer of "Hiding in Plain Sight," at his home office in Vermont.
10/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Dr. Sarah Vinson discusses youth mental health as the camera rolls.
11/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Director of Photography Christopher Ewers takes a moment to connect with a therapy horse on location in California.
12/20
Photo provided by Susan Shumaker
Composer David Cieri, along with other musicians, at a music recording session in New York.
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Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Christopher Ewers and Evan Barlow work together for a shot of Xavier on his skateboard.
14/20
Photo provided by Kara Mickley
Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) films Lydia in her room at a California rehab facility.
15/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Maclayn talks about his mental health journey during his interview in Montana.
16/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Morgan talks about her mental health journey during her interview in Florida.
17/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Christopher Ewers (Director of Photography) onstage filming a Disturbed concert.
18/20
Photo provided by Erik Ewers
Sam Spielberg (Assistant Producer) and Becca Connolly (Assistant Editor) attend the 2021 Every Student Initiative Gala.
19/20
Photo provided by Samantha Spielberg
Co-Directors Erik and Christopher Ewers, Alexis, Producer Julie Coffman and Assistant Camera Evan Barlow.
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Photo by Julie Coffman
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The Well Beings Youth Mental Health Project, which includes HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS, is made possible by Otsuka, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Liberty Mutual Insurance, American...