A note from the filmmaker:

I spent six long years producing out of the shadow, and many years prior to that thinking about it, wondering if I had the courage to tell the story. I think with each passing year I was invested in the project, it took on some sort of overwhelming personal calling. While I was living my life - and while my mother was going through her own trauma with her illness - I started getting more and more invested in trying to do something, anything I could to help her, and others in her position to get better treatment. The film became not only a labor of love, but also a mission.

The journey of making this film was a tremendous test of my endurance. I was working full-time as a documentary producer/director while I made out of the shadow during my “free time.” I was shocked when I learned that 1% of our adult population suffers from schizophrenia, so I knew there were a heck of a lot of people out there who might be able to relate to our family's story. I thought about this each time I was emotionally exhausted and disheartened. I felt by making this film and offering it to the world, that somehow I could make a contribution to greater understanding, and de-stigmatizing of mental illnesses.

Since it's completion, I have had the tremendous honor of screening the film all over the world, for numerous different types of audiences: clinicians, doctors, social workers, nurses, families and mental health consumers, just to name a few. It's been beyond gratifying sharing the film with audiences far and wide. It's also been quite comforting to me to feel a sense of comradery with so many people who are in similarly difficult situations. We all share a common bond, and are energized and re-inspired by a mutual understanding.

After a screening, people often ask me, "How is your mother doing now? What does she think of the film? How have you and your sister survived, and done so well for yourselves? You seem so well-adjusted. How does your father feel about the film, and his role in your life?"

I would not, or could not have made the film without my mother's unequivocal consent and support. My mother Millie is a modest woman, with a sharp mind and excellent sense of humor. She was positively stunning as a young woman. Today she's still quite attractive for a woman in her 60's and she takes very good care of herself. I knew that she'd be a compelling person on film.

Every one of my family members who participated in the film – my sister Tina, my father Alan, my Uncle John and our cousin Nancy - agreed that our mother Millie's story should be told and that the film had the potential to make an important contribution. They all exhibited tremendous courage by being interviewed; especially my mother, and my sister Tina. Then, when the film came out, we all felt quite vulnerable. We had laid ourselves and our pain bare, for all the world to see. None of us were sure how the film, or we as a family, would be accepted. Thankfully, now, we all feel a sense of accomplishment in knowing that the film is making a positive contribution.

For me personally, the film was something I had absolutely no choice but to create. After a very difficult childhood, it took me many years to figure out who I was, to become comfortable in my own skin. I longed for a meaningful life, with a strong sense of purpose. But I knew that in order to strive to be my best self, I needed to address the pain and sadness of my past. So, I went through many years of therapy. I took up yoga and meditation. In the hopes of finding comfort and maybe even some answers, I sought out a spiritual life. I have traveled all over the world in search of adventure and connection to humankind, of all kinds. I have nurtured deep and lasting friendships and sought out people, places and experiences that would uplift me, and help me to find the courage to face my fears and be my strongest self.

I am no longer concerned about being stigmatized myself, just because I have a mother who suffers from an illness that few people understand. I too have felt the discrimination, if even only a fraction of what my mother feels. I see that my advocacy work is part of the growing, sea-change movement to erase the barriers to quality care and treatment of people who have serious mental illnesses. I hope that out of the shadow will continue to help shatter perceptions and promote compassion, healing and hope.