You think you have problems? What about our psychotherapists? They have to listen to other people’s problems (OPP) all day long. These wretched folk must be ready to jump out the window. But, luckily, according to Bug Therapy, a new animated light-comedy that’s premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival this week, they may have wings to break their fall.
“Right now, more people than ever are struggling with mental-health,” say filmmakers Michael Jann and Michele Jourdan. “We just wanted to make people laugh, and say: ‘Everyone struggles with something, and there’s no shame in asking for help.’
“It’s okay to not be okay!” they add.
Playing a germaphobe is Jay Leno. “I play a fly with OCD, who can’t stop washing his hands,” says Leno. “And it’s based on an actual fly. So, it’s a true story!” Whatever that means, if Jay Leno says it, it’s probably going to make you laugh. Leno got hooked up with this movie because it’s all in the family. Jann is a former writer on both the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Jourdan comes from Citronella Stories. Others in the voice cast include Dr. Phil McGraw, Meghan Trainor, Sterling K. Brown, Tom Green, Emily Goglia, and Jason Reisig.
On a serious front, the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has endorsed this short film.
“We’re going to have to stop now …”