AFSP and Other Organizations Concerned about ‘The Happening’
M. Night Shyamalan’s new film, The Happening, opens on Friday, June 13, in theaters nationwide. According to the Internet Movie Database, the film is a thriller that shows the results after plants release a neurotoxin. When this toxin is inhaled, the victims kill themselves by very violent means.
AFSP has not seen the film. However, based on the description and the R-rated preview AFSP has seen, the Foundation is aware that the film contains graphic and violent depictions of suicide. These images may be offensive and disturbing, especially to those touched personally by suicide.
The Suicide Prevention Action Network, AFSP and a coalition of other suicide prevention organizations are sending a letter to 20th Century Fox requesting a meeting with them to discuss these concerns. This coalition plans to continue working with the entertainment industry on creating more sensitivity and awareness about this issue.
