FILM
OVERVIEW
Chris Herren, former professional basketball player, author and wellness advocate, has shared his story of recovery with over 1 million people nationwide. The First Day film chronicles this journey revealing Herren’s vulnerability and his profound connections with high school students who, in turn, have shared their stories of struggle and strength. Through the power of storytelling, The First Day addresses issues that school systems, communities and people across the country are impacted by, directly or indirectly, each day including substance use, other harmful behaviors and mental wellness.
FILM OVERVIEW
Chris Herren, former professional basketball player, author and wellness advocate, has shared his story of recovery with over 1 million people nationwide. The First Day film chronicles this journey revealing Herren’s vulnerability and his profound connections with high school students who, in turn, have shared their stories of struggle and strength. Through the power of storytelling, The First Day addresses issues that school systems, communities and people across the country are impacted by, directly or indirectly, each day including substance use, other harmful behaviors and mental wellness.
“Nothing CAUGHT MY ATTENTION as much as that documentary, it nearly brought me to tears hearing him speak.”
~ 9th Grader, Colorado ~
“It felt like he was TALKING TO ME throughout the whole movie.”
~ 12th Grader, California ~
“Has the potential to CREATE a DIALOGUE between PARENTS and CHILDREN.”
~ Parent ~
“EVERYONE would benefit from WATCHING THIS with their child.”
~ Parent of High School Student ~
“Film was brilliant and A MUST SEE for every HIGH SCHOOL student and teacher, coach, administrator.”
~ administrator ~
“… It is such important film and POWERFULLY TOLD.”
~ community member ~
“BETTER than EVERY assembly or health class lesson.”
~ 11th Grader, Illinois ~
“Nothing CAUGHT MY ATTENTION as much as that documentary, it nearly brought me to tears hearing him speak.”
~ 9th Grader, Colorado ~
“Has the potential to CREATE a DIALOGUE between PARENTS and CHILDREN.”
~ Parent ~
“Film was brilliant and A MUST SEE for every HIGH SCHOOL student and teacher, coach, administrator.”
~ administrator ~
“BETTER than EVERY assembly or health class lesson.”
~ 11th Grader, Illinois ~
“It felt like he was TALKING TO ME throughout the whole movie.”
~ 12th Grader, California ~
“… It is such important film and POWERFULLY TOLD.”
~ community member ~
“EVERYONE would benefit from WATCHING THIS with their child.”
~ Parent of High School Student ~
CHRIS HERREN AND JON HOCK ON
MESSAGE & IMPACT
To watch, simply click on the thumbnails
THE FILM
Filmed at public and private high schools over the course of a year, The First Day chronicles Chris Herren’s journey revealing stories of struggle and strength.
FILM RESOURCES
To accompany the film, a discussion guide has been created in English and Spanish with conversation starters, screening information and resources.
Educational Materials
A teacher toolkit, common core aligned lesson plans and activities in English and Spanish have been developed to support the film themes.
FILM GIVE BACK
15% of all proceeds generated from the film will be used by nonprofit partners to support programs and resources for individuals and families.
DOWNLOAD THE FILM
The First Day (TRT: 47:02) is available for individual rental, immediate purchase and download on the film’s VIMEO platform. The film is available with subtitles and Spanish subtitles. Please select from the menu below to ensure you are able to access the correct supporting materials in English or Spanish including the discussion guide and if you are a school or school system, the film’s exclusive educational materials. Please note, support materials are not included for the film rental.
Individuals
$9.99
Available for a 72-hour rental period and intended for a general viewing audience, you may rent and view The First Day Film. The rental license does not extend to a school, corporate, recovery center or community screening. The fee does not include the film’s screening guide or educational materials. To access the film with sub-titles, please contact our team by emailing info@herrentalks.com.
Schools | School Systems
School: $995.00
School System: $1,795.00
If you are a school or school system and would like to purchase the film and educational materials, please complete the form below. Once submitted you will be able to preview the film, the teacher’s toolkit, parent letter and lesson plans prior to completing your purchase.
PREVIEW FILM AND MATERIALS NOW >
ORDER NOW SCHOOL>
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Nonprofit | Community Groups
$495.00
To accompany the film, a screening guide has been created to include background information on Chris Herren, the filmmaker, Jonathan Hock, and information about substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic. Discussion starters and dialogue prompts are highlighted to include aligned themes for parents, communities, and colleges. The screening guide also provides resources for those seeking additional information or help for substance use disorder.
Colleges | Corporate
$750.00
To accompany the film, a screening guide has been created to include background information on Chris Herren, the filmmaker, Jonathan Hock, and information about substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic. Discussion starters and dialogue prompts are highlighted to include aligned themes for the workplace. The screening guide also provides resources for those seeking additional information or help for substance use disorder.
Recovery Centers
$750.00
To accompany the film, a screening guide has been created to include background information on Chris Herren, the filmmaker, Jonathan Hock, and information about substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic. Discussion starters and dialogue prompts are highlighted to include aligned themes for recovery centers and individuals diagnosed with addiction.
MEET THE FIRST DAY FILM
TEAM, SPONSORS & NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Chris Herren
Speaker & Wellness Advocate
chrisherren.com
From speaking to helping individuals navigate a path to recovery. Chris has dedicated his life to helping others.
Jonathan Hock
Emmy Award Winning Director
hockfilms.com
An award winning documentarian, Jon directed the ESPN Films 30 for 30 featuring Chris “Unguarded”.
Partnership to End Addiction
Presenting Sponsor
drugfree.org
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction, while mobilizing policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale.
Cigna
Presenting Sponsor
cigna.com
Cigna Corporation is a global health service company dedicated to improving the health, well-being and peace of mind of those we serve. Cigna delivers choice, predictability, affordability and access to quality care through integrated capabilities and connected, personalized solutions that advance whole person health.
Partnership to End Addiction
Nonprofit Partner
drugfree.org
Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction, while mobilizing policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale.
Herren Project
Nonprofit Partner
herrenproject.org
Herren Project is a nonprofit organization focused on treatment, recovery and prevention of substance use disorder with the mission to support, inspire and empower.