The Robb Nash Project announces national film premiere of “If You’re Reading This…
Documentary explores Canadian musician’s remarkable personal journey and impact on addiction and suicide prevention for youth, to save lives
TORONTO, November 21, 2024 – What has a Winnipeg-born, tattooed, former rocker done to make more than nine hundred teenagers hand him their suicide notes so he tattoos their names on his arms, to warrant the country’s attention?
The documentary, If You’re Reading This… from The Robb Nash Project (RNP) – a charity that works with schools and communities throughout Canada to support youth mental health – launches November 26th at 9 PM EST (8 PM CST) with a national “Watch Party” on YouTube. In addition, Live Nation’s video platform VEEPS is supporting The Robb Nash Project by making If You’re Reading This… available on their platform free of charge for their 600k monthly users and will screen the documentary on the YouTube Channel of Alternative Press, for its 352k subscribers.
Mark your calendar!
Watch Party: Tuesday, November 26
8:00 pm cst
Click the image below:
A compelling story of life after death
The deeply personal film explores Canadian musician, Robb Nash’s own remarkable journey from suicidal to significant. Throughout his ongoing mission to inspire a generation to recognize their own worth and become significant in the lives of others, he has spearheaded a campaign born of his own near-death experience and consequent journey to wellness.
His vision to inspire mental health breakthroughs with the power of music and authentic stories has taken him from coast to coast, addressing thousands across the country, changing lives, giving purpose, erasing the stigma, and making it okay to be vulnerable and to ask for help. More than nine hundred Canadian youth have handed Robb their tragic and heartbreaking suicide notes, where the stakes are life and death.
In this new, 1.5-hour film, Robb shares his heartfelt, motivational back-on-track story. If You’re Reading This… documents the tale, his goal, his music, and his vision to save the lives of youth troubled with depression, substance abuse and suicide ideation. View the documentary here pre-launch https://www.robbnash.com/iyrtprivate
Found with no pulse by a first responder following a tragic, head-on road accident at 17 years of age, Robb was resuscitated and his skull rebuilt. When he awoke and began rehabilitation, he spiralled into severe depression and did not want to live.
“My identity was lost; that brought me to a very dark place for the next two-and-a-half years,” Robb says. “Talking about one’s feelings or struggles can be perceived as weak, so I kept quiet. One day, I picked up the guitar, which started my journey through music, to share my learnings.”
Following a successful recording career and record deal for his band, Live on Arrival — with two songs hitting the top ten in Canada –Robb walked away, to mount a cross-Canada tour to share his personal narrative of hope, lasting more than 10 years. Onstage, The Robb Nash Project uses a backdrop of video montages culled from years of success, showing kids ripping up their suicide notes, throwing away their razorblades, flushing pills and on the road to recovery.
An “Extraordinary Canadian”
Nash proudly sports hundreds of names and signatures tattooed on both of his arms, taken from the notes he has received from those who have experienced his show, either in person or via YouTube. It is a mutual relationship of acceptance, and a message of hope to go forth and conquer. The documentary, Nash’s music and the RNP in-school video resources share the same goal: to save lives. Lofty for any rock-and-roll band, Robb has saved lives through speaking at schools, performing live and sharing his tale to audiences nationally. The artist was recognized as an “Extraordinary Canadian” by Peter Mansbridge, named to the Order of Manitoba, and has won multiple awards including the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2019.
“When it comes to youth struggling with addiction and suicide, I honestly believe we are losing some of the most gifted people. We try to help them channel those thoughts rather than shut them off,” Nash says. “I have realized that one can have all the resources available for someone struggling, but if the person is not ready to reach out for help, it is no use. I am here to get the conversation started, to let people know that it is okay to ask for help.”
About If You’re Reading This…
The narrative of the gritty, emotional, and uplifting film recounts the intimate journey of Nash’s transformation — from his post near-death experience to a suicidal young man, to a chart-topping musician with a burgeoning career — who pivots, to educate and spread an almost evangelical message of hope for troubled youth. Based on real-life experiences, with anecdotes, news clips and commentary woven throughout the film, the viewer meets an inspirational cast of characters both young and old, whose lives have been impacted by Robb’s message.
Dedicated to Nash’s father who passed away during filming, If You’re Reading This… is a SkateGoats Production. Produced and directed by Andrew Murray. Director of Photography: Elad Winkler. Editor: Brian Moylan. Original Score: Peter Allen. Executive Producers: Tom Hiebert, Jarret Hannah, Robb Nash, Sean Buckley. Camera Operators: Chris Armstrong, Ryan Buller. Orchestrations: Peter Allen. Sound Production: Steve Smith. Sound Recordist: Chuck Power. Story Consultant: Matt Murray. Line Producer: Simon Gebski. Story Producer: Morgan Leech. Production Coordinator: Karen Hampton. Visual Effects: Brian Moylan.
The cast incudes Robb Nash, Jordan Ginter, Owen Friesen, Tina Plett, Tommy Peters, Pete Reimer, Tom Hiebert, Jarret Hannah, Steve Smith, Anthony Anderson, Jonny Holiday, Taylor Bowman, Kobe Joseph Longclaws Elsley, Shyanne Moore, Son Tran, Shirley Steinberg, Billie Schibler, Dillon Gazandlare, Myja Willis, Brian Moylan, Karen Hampton, Tyler Martin, Bryan Chamberland and Ally Nowell.
Seek help when needed
The Robb Nash Project works closely with support organizations including Integrated Youth Services and national services such as Kids Help Phone, Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support in English and French to young people, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Through in-person presentations and/or implementing its in-class teachers’ resource, RNP shows it’s okay to talk about struggles and pain and reach out for help, by working on an ongoing basis with Canadian school resources, healthcare professionals and school counsellors nationally, to ensure students can access the assistance they need. Know someone that needs support? Contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text NASH to 686868 for support.
About The Robb Nash Project
The Robb Nash Project is an immersive concert experience that engages audiences through the power of music and storytelling. Our presentation addresses topics related to mental health such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, bullying and suicidal ideation. We balance this serious subject in a unique way that is not only thought-provoking and inspirational but also entertaining and at times humorous.
Our shows are hosted in performing arts theatres and arenas from coast to coast and organized with participating schools and communities. We are a registered Canadian charity and provide comprehensive support to participating audiences before, during and after our presentation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
For more information, to learn more about our events or to make an inquiry, visit www.robbnash.com and follow @robbnash. Donations may be made at https://www.robbnash.com/donate. Charitable registration #2879 0303 RR0001.
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