The London premiere of Levi, a powerful new short film exploring the mental health struggles faced by many young orthodox Jews, highlighted how listening to people without judgement and signposting to services can help save lives.
The screening, at JW3 last week (Thursday 4 December), was followed by a panel discussion and live audience Q&A featuring the film’s producer, Manchester-based political podcaster Eli Hassell, alongside Philippa Carr, Senior Education and Suicide Prevention Manager at Jami; Ben Ingber, CEO of The Listening Place; and Dr Stuart Linke, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who chaired the discussion.
Levi tells the story of a young Jewish man returning home from Yeshiva feeling overwhelmed and unable to communicate his emotional distress to his family. Although Levi dreams of becoming an architect, he feels trapped by expectations and fears he will disappoint those closest to him by pursuing a different future. As his isolation grows, he becomes increasingly despairing and begins to lose hope.
The event aimed to open up honest conversations about wellbeing within the orthodox community and highlight the importance of early support and understanding.
Eli Hassell said, “The most important lesson is the importance of talking, sharing, opening up. The character Levi takes those first steps to help. The film carries a message of hope.”
Philippa Carr shared the words of a survivor supported by Jami: “There is no pain like psychological pain.” She continued, “The people around those who are struggling are vital. Families, friends, carers – they advocate, they can support, they can help someone take the first step to getting help.”
Audience members praised the film’s sensitive storytelling and the opportunity to hear directly from experts about the importance of recognising signs of emotional struggle and signposting appropriate support.
Jami will be launching a new community suicide-prevention programme for communal, lay and spiritual leaders and community members in early 2026. The initiative is being designed to reflect the community’s sensitivities and needs and will also include postvention – the support Jami provides to the community after a suicide.
The film contains references to suicide and was created to raise awareness, encourage discussion, and direct individuals to vital support services. Anyone affected by the themes of the film is encouraged to reach out for help through the organisations listed below.
Mental health support
Jami
Mental health support for the Jewish community
Call: 020 8458 2223
Text ‘Jami’ to 85258 for 24/7 confidential support
Website: jamiuk.org/get-support
James’s Place
Support for men in suicidal crisis
Locations: Liverpool, London, Newcastle
Website: jamesplace.org.uk/get-support/
ANDYSMANCLUB
Peer-led support groups across the UK
Website: andysmanclub.co.uk/
The Listening Place
Face-to-face support for people in suicidal crisis
Website: listeningplace.org.uk/
For immediate crisis support
Shout
24/7 crisis text service
Text: Jami to 85258
Samaritans
Call: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
