Short Film DEPRESSION IS A BEAST with Director Courtney Dixon & Actress Jenna Kanell: The Interview & Breakdown

Writer/director Courtney Dixon and actress/writer and stunt performer Jenna Kanell.

Courtney Dixon dreams up scenarios where real people are heroes, filming sensitive topics in imaginative and memorable ways. She spent several years in branded content as a creative producer and led the creative studio for WebMD.

Since then, she has collaborated with top brands such as Dove and Chick-Fil-A to name a few. Courtney crafts a visual platform for voices making change using post-production trickery. Her unbranded films have been Short of the Week and Vimeo Staff Pick selects.

Jenna Kanell is an American actress, writer, and stunt performer. She gained recognition for her portrayals of Tara Heyes in the cult classic TERRIFIER and Kim Hansen in THE BYE BYE MAN. Her film career has since expanded to a variety of genres such as the political drama THE FRONT RUNNER, the horror-comedy RENFIELD, and the action comedy BAD BOYS 4. She joins the an all-star cast of an upcoming yet unreleased film RED ONE, starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans and JK Simmons.

The short film, DEPRESSION IS A BEAST was inspired by a New York Times article about the unexpected correlation between people who suffer from mental health issues and horror films, enabling them to switch the source of their feelings to the screen. This phenomenal documentary short has been selected for the Oscar Qualifying Tribeca Film Festival. 

Ladies and gentlemen, this short film DEPRESSION IS A BEAST really expands the conversation about the complexities of depression. The causes of depression are numerous, from genetics, chemical imbalances, life experiences and even things we can’t define.

This film is one that opens up and expands the conversation about mental health. Mental health issues in our society are at an all-time high and continue to grow. Some of you are going through your own horror movie so to speak and are struggling to find a therapy or an outlet to bring some sort of peace and normalcy to your life.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting the number 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

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