“Sometimes you just have to scream and cry out loud, and that’s OK,” actress Lux Pascal said to a captivated audience. Pascal, known for her roles in Narcos, spoke from the heart at the WeAudition Annual Opening Night Party during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), hosted by PROJECT BLACKBIRD.
A Star-Studded Rooftop with a Powerful Purpose
The rooftop of Soluna Toronto buzzed with excitement as well-heeled guests from Toronto, LA, and everywhere in between gathered for a cause greater than entertainment. The event wasn’t just a celebration of film but a crucial initiative aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health. “We are excited to impart a significant development in our efforts to combat the stigma surrounding mental health,” shared Alexandra Miles, founder of PROJECT BLACKBIRD, opening the night with a sense of purpose.
This collaboration, combined with efforts from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Maybelline New York’s Brave Together Program coupled with Talkspace – an online and mobile therapy company based in New York City – highlighted the importance of providing mental health resources, especially within the eating disorder community and underrepresented communities.
Music, Connection, and Reflection
The evening’s energy was heightened by musical vibes from DJ CARDI, whose playlist kept the crowd buzzing as they mingled and networked beneath the Toronto skyline. The music perfectly set the stage for the impactful discussions that followed.
At 8:00 PM, the PROJECT BLACKBIRD Panel took center stage, addressing issues of mental health, shame, and resilience. Panelists included:
- Callina Liang: Star of Steven Soderbergh’s psychological thriller PRESENCE, premiering at TIFF and rising talent in both Canadian and international film industries.
- Lux Pascal: Actress known for Narcos and La Jauría, Pascal spoke candidly about her personal journey in the public eye and the importance of embracing vulnerability.
- Hallea Jones: Best known for her role in Locke & Key, Jones shared her experiences navigating the challenges of fame and authenticity while balancing her mental health.
The discussions focused on breaking down barriers to mental health support and confronting shame, inspiring the audience to reflect on their own experiences. The impact was palpable, as attendees engaged in deep conversations about mental health throughout the evening.
A Unique Touch: Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection
As the night came to a close, the event took a meaningful turn. Guests were invited to take part in a special moment of self-reflection as PROJECT BLACKBIRD handed out journal prompts. These sheets of paper, designed to encourage introspection, asked attendees to engage in “shadow work,” the often difficult but necessary process of confronting one’s own emotional and psychological wounds. The goal? To help participants begin their journey toward self-awareness and ultimately, becoming the best versions of themselves.
This unique touch not only set the event apart but also left a lasting impression on the audience, empowering them to continue their personal work long after the evening had ended.
A Campaign That Continues to Inspire
PROJECT BLACKBIRD’s #ShedShame campaign, which launched at Sundance and then Cannes, continues to gain momentum. Featuring a programmatic tour showcasing the short film Blackbird and panel discussions with celebrities and mental health advocates from the NFL and NBA, the campaign seeks to empower individuals to break free from the shame that often accompanies mental health struggles.
In collaboration with NAMI and Maybelline New York’s Brave Together Program, PROJECT BLACKBIRD provides essential resources to communities across North America. Attendees at the event, through partnerships with TalkSpace, gained access to free counseling services, making the evening not just a conversation but a pathway to action.
A Night to Remember, A Cause to Champion
From the red carpet arrivals to DJ CARDI’s electric beats, to the powerful reflections incited by the journal prompts, the WeAudition Annual Opening Night Party was an evening that transcended entertainment. It merged the excitement of TIFF with the urgency of mental health advocacy, leaving attendees with not only unforgettable memories but with tools to continue their personal journeys.
As PROJECT BLACKBIRD’s mission continues to unfold, we are reminded that together, we can shed shame, confront our inner shadows, and build a world where mental health is a shared responsibility, not a silent struggle.
We look forward to seeing where this journey takes us, and we hope you’ll join us in continuing the conversation. Together, we can make a difference.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 05: (L-R) Callina Liang, Hallea Jones, Lux Pascal, Darren Darnborough and Alexandra Miles attend WeAudition Annual Opening Night Party In Toronto During TIFF 2024 at Soluna on September 05, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 05: Alexandra Miles attends WeAudition Annual Opening Night Party In Toronto During TIFF 2024 at Soluna on September 05, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)