PRESS RELEASE

Award-Winning Filmmaker Launches New Documentary to Address Child Suicide Crisis in Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN, October 10, 2024 — Documentary filmmaker Rionne McAvoy, known for his award-winning film "The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan", has announced his latest project focused on an urgent and heartbreaking issue: child suicide in Japan.

Said McAvoy when asked about why he chose this as his next topic, McAvoy started that "This new documentary will delve into the realities faced by young people in Japan, where child suicide has become a growing crisis. According to Japan’s health ministry, 513 children under 18 took their own lives in 2023, nearly matching the previous year's record high of 514. These numbers are Astronomically high, they surely cannot real, but indeed they are. My heart breaks."

McAvoy’s previous work, The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan, highlighted the struggles of single mothers and their children, bringing child poverty to the forefront of public conversation inspiring both community action and policy discussions to support struggling families. Driven by the impactful success of his previous film, which ignited discussions and spurred action around child poverty in Japan, McAvoy is once again taking on an important social issue. The documentary will explore key factors contributing to youth suicide, including social expectations, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the powerful role of technology in young people’s lives. By telling these stories, McAvoy aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources for those who feel lost or alone.

“This new documentary aims to provide a platform for the voices of young people who often feel isolated and without hope,” McAvoy shared. “It’s my hope that by shedding light on their struggles, we can foster understanding and encourage open discussions about mental health. This isn’t just a film; it’s a mission to make sure our youth feel seen, heard, and supported.”

To realize this project, McAvoy is reaching out to his community for financial support. As he has largely self-funded his documentaries, donations will be crucial to bringing this film to life without placing the entire financial burden on himself.

“We have an opportunity to make a difference in young lives and create lasting change,” McAvoy shared. “By supporting this project, you’re helping to foster understanding and compassion for our youth and their challenges.”

To contribute to this meaningful project, please contact Japan Media Services Inc.

About Japan Media Services Japan Media Services is a Tokyo-based video production company specializing in crafting high-quality visual content for international audiences. With a focus on documentary filmmaking, corporate videos, and branded content, the company delivers compelling narratives that engage viewers across diverse platforms. For more information, visit japanmediaservices.com.

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Japan Media Services
Email: info [@] japanmediaservices.com
Contact: Rionne McAvoy