Depression is very painful, sometimes unbearable, but invisible to others.

The Film

In this intimate and incredibly moving documentary, we meet Ezra, a spirited and engaging teenager who loves making art and music, traveling, Judaism, and so much more. Through the haunting imagery and emotion evoked by Ezra's art and music, and deeply personal interviews with Ezra’s family, friends, and teachers, we learn about this remarkable young man, his impact on those who love him, and the devastating loss they feel now that he is gone. We also gain a no-holds-barred insight into teenage suicide and the seemingly incomparable challenges faced by those left behind. This is a must-see film—one that is ultimately filled with compassion, beauty, hope, and love. It is a film that challenges each of us to bring the discussion of teen suicide to the table to remove the stigma and bring compassion to those that have been touched by this tragedy.

See rental options here.

Register for Our Upcoming Suicide Education and Awareness Event

Join us for a free screening of Ezra(z”l) May His Memory Be For a Blessing, a no holds barred insight into teenage suicide and surviving its aftermath. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Ezra’s mother, Shanee Epstein.

Date and time
November 17, 2024, 2pm - 5pm

Location
Lander-Grinspoon Academy
257 Prospect St., Northampton, MA

Admission
Free with registration

Please share this invitation with other educators and mental health workers in your community.

What people are saying

  • Your incredible honesty and sharing helps and educates as it heals. Thank you, profoundly.

    —Janice L.

  • As an educator working with children, some of whom are impacted by mental health—this film is a gift. Thank you for your willingness to share, not only with all of us that loved Ezra, but with the wider community to help educate and raise awareness about mental illness.

    —Nicole N.

  • This is one of the most moving films I've ever seen.

    —Dr. Alice M.

  • I lost my father to suicide when I was a child. A very painful legacy. You all have created a healing legacy in Ezra's memory. Both for those who knew and loved Ezra, and for the wider world.

    —Anonymous

Festivals & Awards

About the filmmaker.

Walter Schlomann is an award-winning filmmaker and speaker. He has filmed and collaborated with rock stars and rabbis, philanthropists and teachers, mermaids and kangaroos, and believes in the power of recounting life-stories. He created Life-Stories Sharing, a dynamic, participatory story-telling program for seniors, and is the founder of Heritage Media Group, a boutique video company that creates custom made biographies that preserve family stories for future generations. Walter is a friend of Shanee and Moshe, and not only knew Ezra, but was fortunate to receive Ezra's deep felt hugs. Making this film about Ezra and his loving circle of family and friends, and the issues revolving around teen suicide and mental health, has been extremely meaningful, consuming, emotional, and challenging - and one of the most important and gratifying projects he's ever been a part of.

Walter Schlomann on the beach.