Event Recap & Review: Hold Still by Nina LaCour
If you ever have a chance to see Nina LaCour speak in person, please do. We are lucky to have her local here in the Bay Area. Either way, I hope you’re reading her words because they are some of the most spectacular you’ll ever read. I had the pleasure of attending the film premiere of Hold Still and wanted to share some moments. Nina and her supporters made a generous gift to Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY)and the Trevor Project in honor of the film release. Check it out below and enter the giveaway at the end for a signed copy of Hold Still!
Event Recap
Starting as a Kickstarter, Nina and Amanda Krampf (Nina’s BFF and director of the film) set out to turn her debut, Hold Still, into a movie. Filming Hold Still was the hardest thing they’ve done – and totally worth it. They both define it the experience as inspirational.
Nina turned her apartment into the setting and cast the various parts. The duo took chances on actresses who were debuting for the first time ever and edited the book to fit the resources they had. Still, it stayed true. When asked what the toughest part was, they agreed shooting the darkroom scenes was tough from a technical experience.
Would they do it all over again? Yes – and yes, Nina would love to do another film!
Review
Hold Still is Caitlin’s story following Ingrid’s death by suicide.
If you or someone you know are thinking about hurting your/themselves, please reach out.
Text HOME to 741741
Call 1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ – 866-488-7386 (The Trevor Project)
When a person dies, there’s a ripple effect. When it’s your best friend, you might struggle to find meaning and hope. Caitlin is looking for both after losing her best friend to suicide.
This story is a beautiful book about the grief process, complicated by a journal left for Caitlin. It’s the story of contending with life moving on without people in it. Of finding out that there were things you didn’t know about the person you thought you were closest with. Learning there is love and life after. That you can’t always make sense of suicide. Hope.
Nina approaches suicide and mental health with sensitivity and honesty. It’s authentic and real. Ingrid and Caitlin do not have the perfect friendship. This fact doesn’t change that the grief process isn’t linear and doesn’t have a defined end or beginning or path. It’s vulnerable and visceral.
Hold Still isn’t here to teach us a lesson but to share an experience that many youth share – the loss of a classmate to suicide. To shine the light on hope. Ingrid’s journal shares insights into mental illness, something we need more of in the world. Demolish the stigma. Let’s talk about it, for all the Ingrid’s and Caitlin’s and everyone else impacted by the death of someone in their life.
Giveaway
1 signed paperback (the updated cover!) of Hold Still
“What do you love most about your BFF?” I’m not sure I’ve ever had a BFF. I think I’ll only find that in fiction….
I didn’t realize Hold Still was made into a film—the premiere sounded like it was so cool! What I love most about my BFF is that she’s supportive and just “gets” me.
What I love most about my friend is how supportive she is. She’s always there for me no mattet where I am in life.
What I love most is that he loves me unconditionally and is always there for me.
I love that when I’m with her I’m as comfortable as I would be if I was alone, I have no fear of her judging me and we trust each other with our lives
Seems like you had such a fun time at this event! Thanks for sharing!
I love my bff because I can always rely on her in time of need and she’s the one I can trust the most, she understands me on a deep level even without having the need to explain myself. Our souls just really get each other and I can’t thank her enough.