In the first moments of I Am We, the viewer is introduced to Willow, a woman with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). After this, little by little she introduces her “people,” often referred to diagnostically as “alters.” Through each person, we learn about Willow’s past trauma of sexual abuse and hear expert analysis of the mind’s response to trauma and genetic predispositions that create cases like Willow’s. We watch her “come out” to her family and friends and are granted a refreshingly intimate and honest portrayal of a disorder that is almost always sensationalized in the media in which it’s featured. Willow, with a small cavalcade of experts, others with DID, and the people who love them hope to get us to look beyond Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and see the people who contain multiplicities.
I Am We is a unique case study into DID and deserved a space on psychology documentary shelves in any library collection. Willow’s story of self-discovery and healing will appeal to many people in its paradoxical universality and uniqueness. There’s never been a DID documentary that is so open and honest, and such education is sorely needed in a society that thinks people with the condition are some secret threat.
Through simple documentation and some expert analysis, I Am We seeks to fill a massive gap in the average person’s psychological knowledge of an often sensationalized condition. Ron Davis does an excellent job riding the line between intimacy and voyeurism, seeking understanding and acceptance through honesty. In this way, his efforts mirror Willow’s journey, as in opening up she fears rejection and harshness but gets the opposite. If you learn nothing else from I Am We, it is that love is not as conditional as we sometimes believe. Highly Recommended.
Here’s the revised content with the title replaced as requested and answers derived using I Am We as the basis for answering the questions:
How can I Am We be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Public libraries can integrate I Am We into their collection development by emphasizing its value as an educational resource that fills critical gaps in understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It aligns with the mission to provide diverse, informative, and culturally sensitive materials. I Am We also offers an engaging and compassionate lens on mental health topics, making it an essential addition to psychology and self-help documentary shelves.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using I Am We?
Courses in psychology, social work, counseling, and gender studies would greatly benefit from using I Am We. It could also enhance coursework in trauma studies, neuroscience, and media representation. The film provides valuable insights into mental health conditions, societal perceptions, and the personal narratives of individuals living with DID, making it a powerful tool for both academic study and empathy-building.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening I Am We?
Before screening I Am We for public events, libraries and institutions must ensure they acquire Public Performance Rights. This would allow for legal public showings during community events, educational workshops, or library programming. PPR licensing is essential for compliance and broad dissemination of the film's message.
How could I Am We enhance special events on college campuses?
I Am We could serve as the centerpiece for mental health awareness events, film discussion panels, or symposiums on trauma and resilience. Its intimate portrayal of DID can catalyze meaningful dialogue, bring in expert speakers, and engage students in critical conversations about mental health and representation in media.
Why is I Am We a strong candidate for movie licensing?
I Am We is a compelling candidate for movie licensing because of its educational value, unique subject matter, and relevance to current discussions on mental health awareness and stigma reduction. Its balance of expert insight and personal storytelling makes it appealing for a wide range of audiences, from educators to community organizations, ensuring widespread interest and utility.