Free Movie Screening of 'Stuart Saves His Family' October 11 Sheds Light on Mental Wellness

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with organizations that focus on the well-being of those in our community. One of these non-profits is Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (MHA), which is a centralized resource for mental health information and referrals, and has recently introduced a series of mental wellness seminars.

On October 11 at 6:30 p.m. MHA will host a free screening of Stuart Saves His Family - a movie based on a bit-character from Saturday Night Live. The event is open to all and will be held at The Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a light meal will be available from Zia’s food truck @ZiasOnTheHill.

According to MHA, the movie is lauded as a “comedy with depth.”  Stuart Saves His Family deftly blends humor, tragedy and realism to explore the human nature of family, relationships, addiction and growth. If you remember Stuart as merely a bit-character from Saturday Night Live, this movie will surprise you. The story was written by Al Franken and directed by Harold Ramis. It is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 96 minutes.

Al Franken’s personal experience with addiction and 12-step philosophy adds depth and authenticity to Stuart and his plight. Stuart now has meaning and purpose in his life, and his hands are full. He’s confronting his nemesis at work, dealing with an eating disorder, struggling to be the person he wants to be, and of course, trying to save his entire dysfunctional family. Stuart Saves His Family avoids a neat and tidy Hollywood ending, and movie critic Roger Ebert described it as “unobtrusively wise about the real nature of the problems in Stuart's family.” 

The multi-dimensions of family issues, addiction, 12-step philosophy and personal growth make this an educational and entertaining opportunity for professionals, students, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in mental health and wellness. 

Steve Franklin, LCSW, and Dan Duncan, LCSW, will discuss clinical aspects of the characters. Steve is a clinician in private practice; Dan is the Director of Community Services at National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse – St. Louis. Chris Clark, Artistic Director of Cinema St. Louis, will offer insights on how cinematic elements contribute to the film. Audience Q & A will follow. 

Continuing education of 3 clock hours or 3.6 contact hours (.4 CEUs) is available for $10.00 through the Missouri Institute of Mental Health will award. Cash or check accepted at the door. Register in advance on-line or obtain CEU application at event. Non-CEU Certificate of Attendance will be available on-site 

Missouri Institute of Mental Health (MIMH) CEUs meet standards for Missouri clinical social work and psychologist licensure requirements. If licensed outside Missouri or in another profession, check with local board before completing this program to ensure proper accreditation. 

The event is co-sponsored by: Cinema St. Louis, Missouri Institute of Mental Health, National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, The Ethical Society of St. Louis and presented by the Community Awareness Team at MHA which includes: Steve Franklin, LCSW, Private practice, Jewell Hickman, LPC, Private practice, Mike Keller, Independence Center.

RSVP preferred - please call 314-773-1399. For more information: www.mha-em.org Find MHA on Twitter at: @MentalHealthSTL and on Facebook.