 
The latest installment in The Connecticut Film Festival”™s series spotlighting social and mental health issues is the new documentary, “No Kidding, Me Too,” featuring actor and Wilton resident Joey Pantoliano.
“This film is a very important part of our lineup for this year”™s Danbury festival,” said Tom Carruthers, director of the Connecticut Film Festival. “Whether it be a fun-filled family film or something as serious as ”˜No Kidding, Me Too,”™ we have dedicated our programming to thought-provoking films that will inspire viewers to think differently, make changes in their lives and hopefully take action.”
The film holds a special meaning for the Connecticut Film Festival as the organization lost one of its team members, Peter Howland, to bipolar disorder three years ago. Â
“None of us saw this tragedy coming,” said Tom Carruthers. “We will certainly be dedicating this screening in Peter”™s name in the hopes that it helps others to avoid the same very untimely fate.”
Pantoliano, famous for his work on the television show “The Sopranos” and the movies “The Matrix” and “Memento,” has directed for the first time with this film.
The debut is a look at issues surrounding mental health. According to Pantoliano, its purpose is to remove the stigma attached to brain disease through education and the breaking down of societal barriers.
On June 3, the Palace Theater in downtown Danbury will host both the screening and a fundraising event to benefit three mental health organizations, including Interlude Inc. of Danbury, Danbury Catholic Charities and No Kidding, Me Too, a non-profit organization comprised of entertainers united in an effort to educate about mental illness. The event is to consist of a meet-and-greet cocktail reception with Pantoliano, an introduction of the film, a question-and-answer session and live auction led by the actor.Â
