Voices From Silence_ Use of Music
Voices From Silence
Every day, 32 people commit suicide in Brazil. The chances of suicide are higher because people don’t talk about it. Therefore, we created a silent choir, which encouraged people to release their voices.
FILM
CASE STUDY
SCENARIO
Brazil is known for the happiness of its people. But it has the 8th highest suicide rate in the world. The causes are many. However, there is an aspect of popular culture that aggravates the situation: the theme “suicide” is still a taboo. Those who experience problems such as depression and anxiety find it difficult to talk about the subject. Relatives and friends of people who have committed suicide are ashamed to talk about the cause of death of their loved ones. The theme is still surrounded by prejudices and silence is the worst enemy of those who suffer. Because talking about it saves lives. Approximately 90% of people who talk about the problem give up committing suicide.
IDEA
Talking saves lives. That is why Libbs, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Brazil, and CVV, the largest voluntary association to fight suicide in the country, decided to create a silent choir to stimulate those who feel the pain associated with suicide to release their voices. To lead this choir, we invited an artist who leads one of the most famous carnival blocks in Brazil: Carlinhos Brown. This cheerful figure created a surprising contrast by conducting the 32 singers who represented the daily victims of suicide, in an exciting video clip that uses music to invite the audience to seek help.
MUSIC
Talking about suicide can prevent tragedy. That was the starting point of Voices From Silence. Music represents 3 stages of the search for freedom from suffering. First, we hear a long stretch in which the members of the choir “whisper” a muffled scream, as if they are trapped and lonely in their own storm. We hear stamping on the floor, as if someone wants to stop, at the same time that it sounds like violence to those who hear. Carlinhos Brown speaks a few words that express the feeling of a victim. In the second moment, the song gains melody and Brown’s words are sung, but we still hear uncomfortable and aggressive sounds in contrast to the singer’s solidarity. One by one, the choir members start to sing, we hear relieved breaths. The voices begin to break free with a loud cry and the music is then led by a crescent that wins the entire chorus with all its strength, showing that sharing the pain can be the best way.
“It brings an empathic message and encourages dialogue on the topic.”
Meio&Mensagem
“It exalts the importance of life and inspires dialogue about suicide.”
GQ
“The lyrics show the importance of dialogue with people who are depressed and having suicidal thoughts.”
Uol
INSTAGRAM FILTER
INSTAGRAM POSTS
MEDIA IMPACT
+USD 4 MILLION in spontaneous media
17 MILLION impressions
2 MILLION views on YouTube alone
