Justin Baldoni‘s production company Wayfarer Studios is partnering with the No More Foundation to provide resources and information related to the abuse depicted in Baldoni’s latest film, “It Ends With Us.”
Through an end card running in the film’s credits, and a dedicated page on their website, No More aims to offer survivors of domestic and sexual violence (and their loved ones) easy access to help. Most notably, the No More Global Directory connects people to support services in the U.S. and 200 countries and territories around the world.
Sony’s film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s megahit novel of the same name follows florist Lily Bloom (Blake Lively) as she falls in love with Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a charismatic neurosurgeon. While their relationship begins as a whirlwind fairytale, Lily soon finds herself swept into the same pattern of domestic abuse she saw her mother endure.
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“Wayfarer Studios has an ambitious mission: We aspire to create projects that are both commercial and truly make a difference in the lives of our viewers,” said Wayfarer co-founder and “It Ends With Us” star Baldoni, who also directed the film. “We’ve partnered with No More because we want to ensure that Wayfarer Studios projects, specifically those that address domestic and sexual violence and abuse, are made with purpose and the intention to educate, support and ultimately provide resources for viewers who may see themselves via their current situation on screen.”
Also available for survivors is “The Lighthouse,” a comprehensive guide to recognize the signs of abuse, obtain critical resources to break the pattern in their own lives and find inspiration and empowerment. Survivors are also encouraged to safely share their own personal stories and find support on the road to healing on the No More Silence: Speak Your Truth platform.
No More also created the “It Ends With Us” Viewers’ Guide, focused on increasing information, dialogue and action to help end domestic and sexual violence and promote healthy relationships, and the “It Ends With Us” Community Toolkit to help local organizations use the film as a catalyst for change.
Wayfarer Studio’s Man Enough and No More are also launching a social media campaign to raise awareness of key topics highlighted in the film and encourage followers to become part of the solution.
To help support survivors and expand its work to prevent domestic and sexual violence, Wayfarer Studios is also giving a share of its net proceeds to No More.
“‘It Ends With Us’ powerfully highlights the complexities of domestic violence and the difficulties around ending it. The film’s release marks an important cultural moment to fuel greater dialogue, awareness, and action, and we’re calling on all the passionately engaged fans of this story to help promote healthier relationships and break the pattern of abuse,” said No More’s Global CEO Pamela Zaballa.
This collaboration builds on Wayfarer’s existing partnership with No More, which served as a content advisor on “It Ends With Us,” both within the script and throughout pre and post-production, to help ensure that domestic and sexual violence were portrayed as accurately and sensitively as possible.
“Wayfarer Studios’ partnership and collaboration with No More has been invaluable in our pursuit for cultural change through the power of storytelling and advocacy,” said Wayfarer CEO Jamey Heath. “This film represents a call to action to stop the cycle of domestic violence and we could not have navigated this complex subject without the guidance of our partners at No More.”
Baldoni previously opened up about the No More partnership and his film’s portrayal of intimate partner violence in a July interview with PvNew. “They were really helpful for me in truly understanding the psychology of Ryle and the importance of making sure there was real connection, real love, so that we can understand why [Lily] changed the memories in her mind,” he said.
“After working with No More, and hearing the stories of so many of these women where, there are women who choose to go back because there is love Or it’s safer for them,” he added. “There’s many reasons why women choose to stay in relationships like this, and it’s looking at it from a place of non-judgment and having compassion and also showing that the abuse looks different.”
To learn more and get help, go to www.nomore.org.
