An independent movie dealing with teen issues such as cyber-bullying, racism, gang violence, abuse, isolation, and suicide that includes Manteca High students in its footage is being shown free three times in San Joaquin County.
“Listen” was filmed in 2014 with some scenes taking place at a staged wrestling match in the Manteca High gym and at a home on Woodward Avenue.
Free screenings are:
Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton.
Sunday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. at the Tracy Grand Theatre.
Sunday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Linden High Perming Arts Center.
Created by Linden native and award-winning filmmaker Erahm Christopher, the debuts of the feature film are being arranged through an umbrella event dubbed “It Only Takes a Moment” made possible  by the Sierra Health Foundation, Tracy Police Department, Peter Boysen Realty, Chase Chevrolet, and the Stockton Police Department.
“Listen” was filmed entirely in San Joaquin County. The screenings will be followed by a conversation about the growing mental health crisis among youth.
 “Listen” tells the story of nearly every high school in this country where students hide their pain, friends ignore each other’s cries for help, and adults are too overwhelmed to stop and listen.
“I’ve spent the last sixteen years of my life working to give youth an authentic voice and now I hope others will listen to what I have heard,” Christopher said. “We need to look beyond social, economic, and ethnic differences and recognize how often we all feel disconnected and alone.”
Producer Brooke Dooley and Christopher decided to forgo the traditional film festival route and release the film across the United States and Canada at high schools, universities, health organizations and community centers during the 2016-2017 school year.
They have made the film screenings completely free of charge in order to remove all barriers to the important mental health conversation. They are accepting tax deductible donations on their website to support their free screenings.
During the film’s production in 2014, they received support from local businesses to offset costs for cast and crew lodging, catering, equipment rentals and filming locations. In addition, the filmmakers provided internships for local youth from Tracy High School, Manteca High School, Linden High School, Venture Academy, Delta College and UOP, where they gained valuable industry experience from entertainment professionals.
For more information go to www.listenthemovie.com