Students Hope Film Will Help Teens 'Break Free' from Struggles

It can be tough to be a teen, and one Downers Grove North High School student wants his peers to know they're not alone. 

Alex Duta has watched as teens have reflected on eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, depression, pressure to be perfect—some struggling under the weight of it all. 

And he wants to help. 

Working with a team, Duta is producing a short film, called Project Break Free, aimed at giving peers a compassionate glimpse of common teen struggles told through flashbacks and multiple teens telling their own stories. 

"We're trying to encompass as many things that can go wrong in a teen's life in order to show that they aren't alone and they can break free of those challenges," Duta told Patch. 

The idea began as a compilation of testimonials from students. Duta had brainstormed with Downers Grove North juniors Ashley Bihun and Angela Scavone. The project—called "You're Not Alone"—was to be posted on YouTube. Anonymous submissions began pouring in from local teens. The confidential confessions complicated the project, as teens might not have been as willing to talk on camera. 

The three decided to postpone the project, but Duta sought to repurpose the idea into a short film, with a storyline. Bihun and Scavone still plan to complete their project, with Duta assisting. 

"It had always been a dream of mine to put together a film," Duta said. "I have the resources, so why not?"

Executive Producer Duta is working with Director Celeena Joseph, Screenwriter Bruce Tanlim, Assistant Screenwriter Maddy Cihak, Lighting/Sound Specialist Stewart Advich, and Head of Publicity Claudia Jarmakowicz to bring the film to fruition. 

"The realization that the 'issues' teens face on a daily basis are different than the stereotype is my biggest motivation," Duta said. "Society has changed, historically speaking.

"Previous generations have considered 'teenage problems' to be as easy as 'what to wear' or 'who to date', however it has been proven that the new generation has come with new problems. A lot of people disregard these types of issues because they think it's 'normal' for a teen to feel 'depressed.' 

"I hear 'It's just hormones' a lot."

Duta's cast will include local teens and adults who audition for the film. The group has held its first set of auditions, with multiple more to follow at locations across the community. Actors are needed for 16–21 lead roles, in addition to actors to play roles of parents, grandparents, and teachers. Extras will also be needed. 

Information for upcoming auditions will be posted on the film's Facebook page. Duta is working with administration at Downers Grove North and South high schools, as filming locations. They're looking for both homes, and public places for use in filming. 

The film is currently being funded entirely out of pocket. 

Follow the film on Facebook for updates throughout production. Duta hopes to wrap production by August 2014. 

"This film is intended to be the spark of a larger movement in attempt to raise awareness for various hardships that teens face on a daily basis," Duta said. 

"Millions of teens nationwide battle with various struggles, however, they trudge through the battle under the impression that they're alone, when in reality millions of others are also experiencing the same thing."

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