Project UnLonely: Front Row

Did you know 8 out of 10 workers (82%) report feeling lonely at work ⁽¹⁾? Feelings of disconnection can lead to burnout, and take a significant toll on mental & physical health.

Northwell Health has partnered with Project UnLonely, from The Foundation for Art & Healing, to bring you Front Row: a program that uses a curated selection of short films from Project UnLonely’s Film Festival. Front Row makes it easy to engage, unwind, and connect with your colleagues through the power of film.

Studies show ⁽²⁾ that engaging in the arts is a simple, yet effective way to connect with yourself and others. You’re invited to watch a short film with a group and have a conversation about the experience. It’s a fun way to feel more connected, build relationships, and reduce stress.

Community. Creativity. Connection: Northwell UnLonely

Front Row

Welcome to the Front Row! On this page, you’ll find everything you need to host a film screening. Select a film to watch with your group, and then have a conversation using the tips in the guide below.

When you click on a film, you’ll be taken to a page where you can stream 24/7, view “explainer” video guides with specific discussion prompts, and learn more about the filmmaker’s perspective.

Community. Creativity. Connection: Northwell UnLonely

How Do You Use Front Row?

Select

…a film by category. Hover over to see a description!

Convene and Screen

Pick a time to watch the film with your group, in person or online.

Talk

Share your thoughts and reactions, and listen to others.

Click here for a guide!

What Can Front Row Do For You?

The short films in Front Row provide an opportunity for you and your colleagues to talk about feelings and experiences related to important topics.

The films (below!) are organized into three categories, selected specifically for Northern Light Health employees:

Navigating Stress & Burnout
Caring For Yourself & Others
Exploring Our Differences

You can use these films to…

unwind with a few colleagues over lunch
kick off a staff meeting
host a film screening for a group of friends
introduce new hires to important themes related to their work

Tell Us What You Think!

If you watched a film on your own, with a group, or hosted a screening, let us know!

Take the short survey below to help us continue to improve Front Row.

Survey Link Here!

Northwell’s Front Row Film Picks

Choose a category and select a film to watch with your group!

EXPLORING OUR DIFFERENCES

Wondering about where you fit in? Thinking about how to give others a sense of belonging?

Agent of Connection

A portrait of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station agent. 3:39 minutes

Sister Hearts

After spending 13 years imprisoned, Maryam Henderson-Uloho has now dedicated her life to helping other women. 16:10 minutes.

Marvin’s Never Had Coffee Before

Marvin Wexler tries coffee for the first time and desperately wants to talk to someone about it. 8:14 minutes.

Ms. Diva Trucker

In MS DIVA TRUCKER, a long-haul trucker turns to YouTube to combat loneliness and social isolation. 13:01 minutes.

17 Year Locust

When a struggling immigrant takes a job as a caregiver to a dying woman, she shares with him a secret. 21:10 mins.

Elgin Park

THE UNLONELY FILM FESTIVAL: BEST OF FESTElgin Park Elgin Park dives into the life of a reclusive artist turned viral sensation — recognized for creating 1950’s utopias out of pain, love, and miniature cars Consider This

The Coronation

A young boy sneaks out from his parents’ home in New Jersey to see his drag queen friends in New York City. 12:59 mins.

RESIST: The Resistance Revival Chorus

In the midst of a country divided, a diverse group of women and non-binary individuals unite through the historic power of music to create a movement ignited by song. 19:33 mins.

NAVIGATING STRESS & BURNOUT

How do you manage the daily grind? How can you help others do the same?

Wannabe

A hilarious, heart warming docu-drama about a group of elderly women who form a Spice Girls tribute band to earn a quick buck when one friend can’t pay the bills. 11:12 minutes.

Coming to Terms

A young woman comes to terms with being an alcoholic. 16:29 minutes.

Leftovers

After taking over his family’s Chinatown restaurant, Steven and his pet fish must find a way to survive as a global pandemic sweeps New York City. 9:49 mins.

Birthday

THE UNLONELY FILM FESTIVAL: BEST OF FESTBirthday Consider This Talking with others about a shared arts experience can enrich our perspectives. Watch this video to explore the film’s meaning and major themes a bit more. Meet

Wendy’s Shabbat

Shabbat is typically observed at home with family, but here these seniors share in the celebration at a fast-food Wendy’s. 9:54 mins.

CARING FOR YOURSELF & OTHERS

Finding a balance in work and life requires self-compassion, and sometimes– reaching out.

Keep Calling

Lilian sings at home, alone and lonely, until Michael joins a volunteer group phoning the elderly for company. 8:52 mins.

Drawings for My Grandchildren

A grandfather bonds with his grandchildren through creativity. 4:43 minutes.

Moment to Moment

Carl and Susan, husband and wife, scientist and artist, navigate the challenges of Carl’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 13:09 minutes.

Sundown

An elderly man gets a visit from his childhood best friend, who appears to him as a teenager. 10:36 mins.

On the Ride

On his morning bike ride, a man grapples with the memories of a traumatic event. 13:23 mins.

Pier 35

A senior Asian dancer from Chinatown lives her life with humor and lightness, even as loneliness and old age catch up with her.

Watch Front Row in Action!

Are you curious to know more about what it might be like to watch and discuss a short film with your coworkers? Recently, the Northwell Caregiver BERG viewed the film “Feeling Through” together, and reflected on the key themes and takeaways. Check out their conversation!

Brought to you by:

Northwell UnLonely

Community. Creativity. Connection.

More Resources for Northwell Employees:

Team Well