The University of Guam Press and Brian Muña Films will premiere a documentary focused on suicide prevention and suicide loss in Guam.
“One Kind Word” centers on the experiences of people who have lost loved ones to suicide, suicide attempt survivors, first responders, and health professionals.
The documentary uses personal testimonies, poetry, visual art, and storytelling to examine factors surrounding suicide in Guam. The film was created in partnership with the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center’s Focus on Life Program and with support from the Office of the Governor. According to Guam’s State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup, there were 43 reported suicide deaths in Guam in 2024. The documentary addresses suicide in Guam through the personal stories behind those statistics.
Via De Fant, co-director of the film, said filming this documentary was an incredibly humbling and grounding experience.
“I gained different perspectives listening to and learning from those who’ve survived suicide attempts and suicide loss and who were willing to have the hard conversations that were taboo when I was growing up,” De Fant said. “This film has brought me a deeper understanding of the world beyond myself and beyond the numbers. There are real stories behind these statistics. Each number is a child, a mother, a father, a friend, a teacher, a protector. They all have a story.”
The premiere is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at Micronesia Mall Theatres. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with community organizations and service providers available at informational booths.
A panel discussion will follow the screening at 8:30 p.m. to discuss themes and resources related to suicide prevention. “One Kind Word” will continue screening at Micronesia Mall Theatres throughout October, with the schedule of subsequent showings released each week.
Tickets for the premiere will be available online at mmtheatres.com one week before the event and in person at the theater. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
