ACLU Crisis Response
PROJECT SUMMARY
Client The American Civil Liberties Union
Hired Services Full Video Production Services
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In this poignant and necessary film, we delve into the critical need for reform in Washington, D.C.’s mental health crisis response system. Partnering with the ACLU, Dear Summer Productions provided comprehensive video production services, creating an intimate and respectful space for individuals to share their deeply personal experiences. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, our team ensured that every aspect of the filming process—from lighting and composition to interview facilitation—was designed to foster comfort, dignity, and authenticity.
Through the powerful testimonies of two individuals who have directly encountered the flaws of the current system, this film sheds light on the devastating impact of a law enforcement-led response to mental health crises. In D.C., an alarming percentage of crisis calls end in mistreatment or fatal outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for a public health-centered approach over a police-driven intervention.
With a story-driven and empathetic lens, we aimed to visually amplify the ACLU’s advocacy for a more compassionate, community-based system—one that prioritizes care, de-escalation, and real solutions. This film serves as both a call to action and a vision for a future where individuals in crisis receive the support they need, free from the fear of harm.
At Dear Summer Productions, we specialize in capturing narratives that demand attention and inspire change. Whether addressing social justice, corporate storytelling, or brand-driven content, we approach every project with the care and intentionality it deserves.
