A Documentary Film by Lauren Lindberg and Zoë Alyce Salnave
Why Black Brain?
Born from the image of a bruised brain, the title “Black Brain” is a metaphor for numerous things. Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as the “invisible injury” is like Black Ice in its invisible yet volitale nature. When thinking of the historic underserved populations and marginalized communities of color, Indigenous folks, as well as Women, we were drawn to the idea of bringing this tucked away topic into the light, while also recognizing the dark stigma of brain and mental health. In telling this story, we will bridge the gap of understanding between the whole body, brain, and mental wellbeing, and center the conversation around mental health into the forefront of society’s mind.
WTF is TBI?
There are a variety of ways one can sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury, and one does not have to lose consciousness to get a concussion or experience post-concussive symptoms. In fact, the risk of developing persistent post-concussive symptoms do not correlate with the severity of the initial injury.
Each year an estimated 2.5 million Americans sustain a TBI, however, research suggests that 55%-85% of all concussions go unrecognized, and among youth this number is 45%-65%.
Lack of recognition creates a gap in data, and reflects the ineptitude of necessary procedure and protocol in our current biomedical model for identifying and treating brain injuries. An untreated or misdiagnosed injury can lead to a variety of heightened risks, at a personal and societal level.
Too much is at risk.
The time for awareness is now.
Humanity To The Statistics
The Black Brain Film Team is dedicated to bringing empathy and personification to the misunderstood and often heartbreaking statistics that embody those suffering from untreated, undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed concussion and TBI. By showcasing human faces, experiences, hardships, societal failures and victories, we strive to up-level cultural competency and society's understanding of brain health. We'll push the boundaries of whats possible in our medical system as it pertains to preventing, recognizing, and treating this debilitating invisible injury.
With the right support, accommodation, and education we can change the lives within our film, and beyond. We aim to bring comprehensive awareness and ultimately lay down the foundation (at a state, and national level) for much needed change.
The Opportunity is Now
We see an opportunity to engage meaningfully with this topic and up-level societal competency around TBI, bringing much needed attention to this silent epidemic.
Be a Leader
What is possible when individuals, businesses, institutions, and the medical community recognize their roles and use their platform to increase awareness about this silent epidemic? How can we come together to accommodate those already impacted?
What's at Risk?
Model for Change
Without societal awareness, proper accommodation and accessible resources, people suffering with brain injury become increasingly more susceptible to negative life trajectories.
Historically underserved and ignored communities are disproportionately impacted; like indigenous groups, people of color, and women. The risk of not telling this story is too great.
This documentary will take a comprehensive look at TBI, showcasing the ways the system could improve.
We'll use its social impact to be proactive, providing the tools for prevention and a roadmap for awareness, discovery, full service rehabilitation, societal reform and a platform for advocacy.