On May 15, the Carbondale Library will present “The Paradise Paradox,” a documentary by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Brett Rapkin. Olympic ski racer Bode Miller executively produced the film.
The documentary explores mental health crises becoming epidemic in America’s mountain towns, specifically those that draw crowds during the ski season. It explores the elements of housing insecurity and high living costs, addiction, loneliness and a plethora of other dynamics correlated with rising suicide rates. “The Paradise Paradox” also touches on resources available to help people suffering from depression.
“I know the film was gaining a lot of traction in the Valley. It was shown up at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, and I believe TACAW at one point,” said Erin Hollingsworth, adult services coordinator at the library.
She explained that the Carbondale Library attempted to show the film back in January, but due to a massive snowstorm, there was a small turnout. Despite this, those in attendance were said to be thankful the film was screened due to the nature of the topics it covers.
“We decided since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we’d like to bring it back and show it again,” Hollingsworth stated. “People love living here, and they work hard to live here. The idea with this screening is that it can be a conversation starter which can help get people thinking about their mental health, how the community can help or how they can find resources for help.”
Tracy Kallassy, the branch’s manager, explained that the decision to show the documentary came after conducting community interviews last fall. During these interviews, they learned that mental health is a challenge in the community.
Kallassy stated, “We learned that mental health is one of the greatest challenges facing our community. We heard a lot about stress caused by unstable housing, long work hours to support the high cost of living, inability to find child care, etc. When people need help, it’s hard or impossible to find. The challenges we’re facing here are shared by many other mountain communities.” She continued, “‘The Paradise Paradox’ explores the mental health crises towns like ours are experiencing and highlights some innovative solutions that have been developed in Eagle [County]. It’s such an important topic, and we all need to be involved in the solution.”
In a nutshell:
What: “The Paradise Paradox” film screening
Where: Carbondale Branch Library
When: May 15 at 6pm
Cost: Free