FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This Proof of Concept Superhero Film Tackles Anxiety Head-On
Ashley Maria Productions is proud to announce the upcoming movie screening at Comic-Con along with the release of the “Own Your Origin Story” impact campaign!
WHAT’S SO COOL ABOUT ALL THIS?
Not only are we screening the film at San Diego Comic-Con twice, but we’ve also joined forces with national mental health organization, “Give an Hour,” to use our platform to amplify the importance of providing support to those silently struggling with anxiety.
“Super Human Anxiety” is an emotionally charged short film that offers a fresh and relatable perspective on the challenges of teen anxiety in a genre often dominated by physical prowess and layered storytelling.
A down-to-earth story, “Super Human Anxiety” brings the feeling of hope blended with a sense of humor to the big screen. It also performs a societal role by encouraging open conversations and empathy around mental health.
THE MOVIE
Elevated by spectacular practical effects, “Super Human Anxiety” is a 9-min proof-of-concept film that follows Whitney, a teenage girl whose strong emotions ignite into superhuman strength. When her elevator breaks down, fate forces her to out her secret. Every superhero has a beginning, and this is Whitney’s.
- WATCH THE TRAILER: https://ashley-maria.com/portfolio/super-human-anxiety/
- PRACTICAL EFFECTS: https://ashley-maria.com/making-it-real/
THE IMPACT
We’re opening the door for real conversations around anxiety, superhero storytelling, and how we all learn to live with — and rise through — the hard stuff.
- We’re handing out limited edition movie superhero cards at the Children’s Film Festival Comic-Con booth MZ-13.
- We’re kicking off a “tell us your origin story” campaign that allows people to share their stories for rising above their own anxiety.
THE STATS
Women directing Superhero Films (Resource: Download Superpowering Women in SciFi Superhero Films A 10 Year Investigation by Womens Media Center with BBC America)
- Only 3% of sci-fi/superhero films have been made by women
- 88% of the most influential behind-the-scenes roles (directing, producing, writing and editing) were held by men, with just 12% going to women.
Teen Mental Health
- 42% of teens experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- 22% of teens have seriously considered attempting suicide (American Psychological Association)
- Native American teen suicide rates are nearly 3.5 times higher than the national average (Center for Native American Youth)
- 1 in 7 teenagers will experience a mental disorder (World Health Organization)
- 3 in 5 teen girls reported feeling sadness every day for at least two weeks (The New York Times)
- 51% of youth (6-17) with a mental health condition get treatment in a given year (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Youth mental health hospitalizations increased by 124% from 2016 to 2022 (Clarify Health)
- 55% of the public believes there is a youth mental health problem in the U.S. (KFF)
QUOTES ON THE READY
- “Superhero stories should evolve and reflect the complexities of the human experience, and mental health is an integral part of that,” according to Director Ashley Maria.
- “Whitney’s journey demonstrates that the battle against anxiety can be a hero’s greatest challenge, even with super powers,” added Director Ashley Maria.
- “When writing the script, it was important for me to emphasize the importance of self-care and seeking help,” added Director Ashley Maria. “I wanted to subtly weave in the idea that acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges is crucial for everyone, even superheroes.”
DETAILS: For booth times, screening times, and more information about Give an Hour — https://ashley-maria.com/proof-of-concept-to-screen-at-comic-con/
MEDIA INFO
A Con fan favorite, audiences connect with this superhero origin story because Whitney’s anxiety becomes her power source, not her weakness.
- About Give an Hour: Give an Hour is a national organization dedicated to transforming mental health care through innovative, trauma-informed services. They empower individuals to actively participate in their own mental health journey by offering no-cost peer support and counseling through a nationwide network of mental health professionals and community leaders.
- For media information about the film, including a movie EPK, downloadable images, and information about Ashley Maria Productions, go to https://ashley-maria.com/contact-amp/press-kit/.
