DETROIT (WWJ) - An independently-produced film tackling the stigma of mental illness opens on Thursday in select theaters across the country.
The film, titled "Bricked", is a psychological drama that follows Trevor, a young man struggling with mental illness.
"Bricked is about a gentleman who is in turmoil with his family as he battles with bipolar disorder," Aleshia Cowser, the film's writer and director told WWJ's Terri Lee. "He's kind of having a hard time dealing with his diagnosis, accepting it and even more so, treating it, as well as his family relationships, so we kind of see his journey and the ins and outs, the highs and the lows of what it's like for him to be bipolar."
The movie co-stars Terrence "TC" Carson, who made a name for himself as Kyle in the long-running TV sitcom, "Living Single".
"Mr. Carson has a very strong heart for the African American community, as well as mental health," Cowser said. "You don't just want to create with people who are creating for money or people who are just doing it because it's just a job; you want to create with people who are in sync with your vision and with your heart."
Metro Detroit is one of several communities tapped for the movie's world premiere.
"One of our actors ... by the name of Lauren Megan, she's from Detroit, so her hometown wanted to really be able to lend their ... support," Cowser went on to say.
For the 30-year-old Cowser, "Bricked" isn't just a movie. It's personal, having experienced issues with anger while growing up in Atlanta. And now, she says she wants the movie to help people who may be struggling with mental health issues; people like Trevor.
"If you're interested in connecting with therapists or counselors who are licensed professionals ... but willing to offer minimal to free services, sliding scale services, Medicaid services, please, please visit our website, Cowser said. "Go under the therapist section and connect with one of our partners."
In addition to Carson and Megan, "Bricked" also features Nicholas Ashe and stars Tracy J. Campbell, in the lead role of Trevor.
Megan, who portrays Trevor's friend Sam in "Bricked," will be at the Metro Detroit screening on Thursday, January 24, 2019. The screening will be held at the AMC theater inside the Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn. Show time is 7:30 p.m. For more information on "Bricked" and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.
See you at the movies!
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Member:Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)SAG-AFTRA
