Home ‘unMASKing HOPE’ reveals hope through trauma in public television debut
Region/State

‘unMASKing HOPE’ reveals hope through trauma in public television debut

Crystal Graham
Unmasking Hope documentary
Animation by Ed Bell. © 2019

“unMASKing HOPE” debuts on public television today throughout much of the United States. The documentary has partnered with Give an Hour to provide mental health and wellness resources to viewers of the film.

“unMASKing HOPE” is a documentary from filmmaker Eric Christiansen that follows a diverse group of trauma survivors and shares their healing journeys. From survivors of 9/11 and mass shootings to combat soldiers and victims of sexual abuse, this full-length film offers a glimpse into the personal struggle of these individuals and how each learns to put aside the masks they hide behind to reveal a message of hope.

“This partnership allows us to reach a wider audience by ensuring the appropriate and necessary mental health tools are readily available to those who need them,” said Dr. Trina Clayeux, CEO of Give an Hour. “Eric’s brand of storytelling creates a novel opportunity for Give an Hour to lend its expertise in helping survivors heal through their trauma.”

  • Give an Hour’s Molly Maurer who survived mass shootings at both the Route 91 Harvest Festival and Borderline Bar & Grill
  • Heidi Bender Collen, a Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting survivor
  • Lyman Montgomery, a child sexual assault survivor
  • Rebecca Lazinger, a 9/11 survivor
  • Jack Delaney, a 9/11 first responder
  • Sandra Lee, a veteran of the Iraq War who is a survivor of military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress and a traumatic brain injury

The film also offers insight and expertise from mental health experts to educate viewers about the struggles faced by these survivors as they try to heal their wounds.

“I am honored to be able to share these incredible stories of surviving trauma and finding hope with public television audiences,” said Christiansen, “unMASKing HOPE’s” writer, director and producer.

“unMASKing HOPE” debuts on public television in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Chicago, Baltimore, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Spokane, Boise and Portland.

To learn more about Give an Hour and available resources, visit https://giveanhour.org/unmasking-hope/

To learn more about the documentary, visit https://www.unmaskinghopethemovie.com/

Multimedia

 




Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

college football
Football

JMU defeats Liberty, 20-13, in season opener ruled by stout D on both sides

power grid electricity
State Politics

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative planning to add to your bill

Electric utilities can ask for kilowatt increases every three years from the State Corporation Commission.

Waynesboro Public Library
Local

Waynesboro Public Library highlights benefits of having a library card

The Waynesboro Public Library has invited the community to celebrate Free 99 Library Card Sign-Up Month, with a schedule of activities bringing attention to the 99 free services, resources, programs and opportunities available through the library.

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Region/State

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank issues call to action for Hunger Action Month

staunton
Local

Staunton: City adopts Flood Resilience Plan, opening up state, federal grant possibilities

smith mountain lake
State Politics

AG’s office gets racist former campground owner to pay out jury verdict

john mcguire insider trading
State Politics

John McGuire bought NVIDIA stock before NVIDIA made a $12.9 billion AI deal