Local Actor, Joe Pantoliano Unveils Documentary on Mental Illness - No Kidding, Me Too! with Debut on Tuesday, April 23 at Wilton High School

 Every time screen actor Joe Pantoliano told someone about his mental illness, they responded by saying ‘No kidding, me too!’ meaning that either they – or someone they loved- also suffered from this debilitating disease. What’s more, he goes onto say, “It was so stigmatized that I coined the term ‘dis-ease’ because everyone is so uncomfortable discussing it.” That’s when he decided to pull on his considerable filmmaking experience and develop a documentary showing how common mental illness is, and named it, No Kidding, Me Too! because of the universal reaction.

On Tuesday, April 23, No Kidding Me Too, Wilton Youth Services, Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Library, Wilton High School PTSA, Wilton Family Y, Sped*Net Wilton, Trackside Teen Center, Silver Hill Hospital and Norwalk Hospital will sponsor an appearance by Pantoliano, along with a free showing of No Kidding, Me Too! at Wilton High School’s Little Theater, 395 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT.

Mental illness cuts across all segments of society, and by interviewing a wide range of sufferers – a brain surgeon, psychologist, high school athlete who attempted suicide, teenage girl who cut her wrists and Pantoliano himself – the documentary combats both the negative stereotypes associated with mental illness and the discomfort in discussing it. In addition, No Kidding, Me Too! examines the hope that comes with a diagnosis and treatment for mental illness.

As part of the evening, approximately 20 mental health organizations will participate in a mental health fair beginning at 6:00 p.m. The film screening will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by panel discussion from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m.  News 12 Connecticut anchor and “12 on Health” reporter Gillian Neff will host the evening’s events. Along with Pantoliano, panelists will include:

·      David Bernstein, Ph.D. – Clinical Forensic Psychologist

·      Eric D. Collins, M.D. – Physician-in-Chief, Silver Hill Hospital

·      Janet Isdaner, LSCW – Director of Social Work, Silver Hill Hospital.

·      Jessica Sylvester, M.D. – Psychiatrist, Norwalk Hospital

·     Judy Higby – Parent (with the approval of her son), Community Volunteer and 25-year Wilton resident

·     Michaela Fissel – Young adult in recovery, member of College Community Wellness Speakers Bureau, Leader of grassroots initiative Join-Rise-Be

Pantoliano, often called Joey Pants, is best known for his roles in films such as Risky Business, The Matrix, and The Fugitive and his character on the hit show “The Sopranos.” Now, after over 30 years of acting, Pantoliano steps behind the camera for No Kidding, Me Too!, his directorial debut and latest effort to stamp out stigma.

“These stories need to be told, and that’s the whole point of No Kidding, Me Too!” Pantoliano said. “We believe that the more we talk about this, the more normal it becomes, and the stigma is then evaporating, so you don’t have to whisper about it.”

Due to the nature of some content, this event is recommended for high school student and adults. Admission is free.

For more information about the mental health fair, film screening, or panel, call Wilton Youth Services at (203) 834-6241.