The Calls
Stan and Kristin, shot like a regular movie. Two homes, one running conversation, and a lot of laughing, because the alternative is worse.
The film
A friend is gone. Everyone has questions.
When a friend dies by suicide, two people left behind pick up the phone, then pick up the words of strangers, hunting for the one thing a note rarely gives: the why.
Stan is a TV comedy writer. Kristin is the other best friend. Days before Stan and Kevin were due to fly to New York together, Kevin is gone, and the two of them are left in their separate houses with one long, funny, aching string of phone calls.
Stan goes online and finds the last words of people from every era and walk of life. Kristin starts digging too. Grief collides with gallows humor, and what they find isn't the neat answer they wanted. It's a reason to speak up.
Adapted by Stan Zimmerman from his stage play, right before I go. is a docudrama built around a real loss, told with honesty, with humor, and with no interest in playing it sad.
A note for viewers: this film speaks openly about suicide, bullying and mental health. If it brings up something for you, there are people ready to talk, any hour, at the support section below.
- FormatFeature-length docudrama
- ReleaseTargeting late 2027
- SourceThe stage play by Stan Zimmerman
- ProductionWitzEnd Productions
How it's told
Four ways of telling the truth.
The film moves between four distinct looks and voices, so the story never settles into just one tone. It is funny, it is raw, and it keeps moving.
The Facts
Fact readers in stark black and white cut through the silence with what we actually know, and what we rarely say out loud.
The Notes
Last words from writers, artists, public figures and everyday people, performed in full color as urgent, direct monologues to the people they were meant for.
The Survivors
Real people who survived their own attempts share their stories in their own words, documentary style. This is where the film turns toward hope.
On those days, we can love. And we can heal.
Break the silence
Cast & crew
The people behind it.
Starring
Stan Zimmerman
Starring
Vanessa Williams
Directed by
Jonathan Prince
Written by
Stan Zimmerman
Adapted from his stage play
Produced by
Kevin Surace
WitzEnd Productions
Executive Producer
Vanessa Williams
Full cast, bios and production details
Coming soon
In memory
For Kevin.
Dedicated to the memory of Kevin Gill, who died by suicide on May 5, 2012. Say the name. Tell the story. Check in on each other.
Support
If you need to talk.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Call or text 988, any time, day or night, anywhere in the US. You can also chat online.
- Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. crisistextline.org
- The Trevor ProjectFor LGBTQ+ young people. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. thetrevorproject.org
- Veterans Crisis LineDial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. veteranscrisisline.net
- Outside the United StatesFind a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com.
If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Late 2027
Be first to know.
Trailer, festival news, screenings and release date. We'll only write when there's something worth saying.
Press, festival and screening inquiries: get in touch