Noel Bass is a mixed race Latino American artist, son of an immigrant with Indigenous roots. Noel spent 15 years in Los Angeles as a professional photographer before shifting careers to documentary filmmaking.
In 2012, Noel begun to focus on mental health issues, learning and volunteering on the Pine Ridge Reservation during a mental health crisis. Noel began officially documenting the incredible first responders on the reservation in 2015, during a declared State of Emergency due to youth suicides. Throughout the years, Noel has formed strong familial relationships with the leaders fighting the suicide crisis and has created an intimate and unique documentary that showcases the bravery and perseverance of the Lakota residents who have taken to helping their own community.
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (in South Dakota) declares a State of Emergency when youth suicide rates reach the highest levels in the country. A respected female elder leads the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s only suicide prevention team, while mentoring a group of suicide-survivor teenagers to find their voice, encouraging them to bring hope and awareness to the reservation.