Sharing Stories About Mental Health Is Empowering

"Whidbey Island Alisha" illuminates the nature of severe mental illness from a first-hand perspective to raise awareness and foster compassion for those who often suffer in silence.

Many documentary films tell personal stories about mental illness. These films (such as "Dina," "That Way Madness Lies," and "Great Photo, Lovely Life") evoke narratives not typically found in mainstream media. These narratives inspire, educate, and challenge neurodivergent and neurotypical audiences alike. Our forthcoming documentary, "Whidbey Island Alisha," strives to do just that by retrospectively profiling Alisha Summers, a woman who suffered from late-onset schizophrenia for nearly 30 years without receiving treatment.

The "Whidbey Island Alisha" film, spearheaded by Alisha's niece, Rose Lee, is a heartfelt exploration into Alisha's evolution amid her struggles with severe mental illness. By capturing her triumphs, losses, and overall impact on the Langley, Washington, community, we hope to share an extraordinary case study about schizophrenia. Nuanced storytelling and captivating footage shed light on the complexities of untreated schizophrenia and the stigma surrounding psychotic illnesses. Our goal is to humanize the transformation many undergo amid severe mental illness and educate audiences about a subject that remains relatively taboo in our society. Rather than just presenting facts and figures, the film delves into Alisha's inner world, giving viewers a glimpse into the perspective of navigating untreated schizophrenia in relative isolation.

"Whidbey Island Alisha" employs a grassroots approach to production. The filmmaker, Rose Lee, left her job in multimedia journalism (Newsweek Magazine) and moved to Langley in early 2025 to pursue the film's production and reconnect with Alisha's community on Whidbey Island. Through the support of independent film funders and documentary grant selection committees, our documentary has progressed from the development stage to early production. The "Whidbey Island Alisha" team continues to seek additional funding to support our ongoing production, which includes employing a talented, Washington-based production crew.

As the filmmaking process gradually advances, this website and blog will serve as a hub for project updates, educational resources, screening and event announcements, as well as opportunities to donate and contribute to our fundraising. "Whidbey Island Alisha" aims to not only raise awareness about schizophrenia but also spark meaningful conversations around mental health and how communities can compassionately support those afflicted. In a world where voices like Alisha's are often disregarded, marginalized, or misunderstood, our film aims to convey the resilience of people who face unimaginable circumstances. By sharing Alisha Summers' story with the world, her legacy lives on, inspiring others to harness their individuality and chase their dreams despite the mental health-related obstacles they may face.