Utah-made film shines light on suicide crisis, aims for theater release

SALT LAKE CITY — Rickey Jewkes didn't set out to make just another film; he wanted to spark conversation, and maybe, save lives.

"We know a lot of friends and loved ones who have struggled with suicidal ideation, many who are no longer with us, and those that still are. This movie is a tribute to them," the writer, director and editor said.

"Last Seven Days" follows a fictional U.S. Army veteran as he documents the final week before a suicide attempt. The film explores isolation, trauma and the invisible wounds many veterans carry long after their service ends.

The nearly two-hour independent film is told through a video diary-style format, something Jewkes said was intentional.

"We wanted to tell it from the perspective of someone leaving behind a vlog instead of a letter," he said. "And how haunting that might be, and how someone can see warning signs before it's too late."

The entire film was shot in Utah, using local locations to ground a story that reflects a national — and global — crisis. The project has already garnered global attention with supporters from around the world donating and asking to see the film.

"This hits home," said Paul Sonnier Jr., the film's lead actor and producer.

Sonnier Jr. is the son of a veteran and said he has lost friends to suicide.

"It was very emotional and very taxing, but to be able to portray that and go through this roller coaster ride with the character and the project … it was an honor to feel like I was giving back to them through a lot of their stories and how they felt," he said.

The filmmakers said "Last Seven Days" isn't just for veterans, but for anyone who has struggled with depression, isolation or feeling alone.

"If it saves only one life through all of this, the whole thing will have been worth it," Jewkes said.

The trailer for "Last Seven Days" will be released online on Feb. 2. Jewkes said they hope to reach 100,000 followers on Instagram to help land a distribution deal and bring the film to theaters.

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