All work / Alcohol and Suicide: Opening the Conversation
Whiteboard
Alcohol and Suicide: Opening the Conversation
- Client
- Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut) & PAARISA – part of the Qamani suicide prevention strategy
- Produced by
- Sammivik Media Group
- Languages
- Greenlandic and Danish
- Format
- Whiteboard animation
- Topic
- Suicide prevention, alcohol & youth well-being
We cannot talk about suicide without talking about alcohol
For more than fifty years, Greenland has lived with high suicide rates, and alcohol plays a role in most youth suicides. This whiteboard animation traces how rapid post-colonial change and the opening of alcohol sales were followed by a rise in suicides. It explains how growing up in a home affected by alcohol increases a child’s risk later in life. Then it speaks directly to young people: binge drinking intensifies emotions and can be life-threatening when you are sad. The film ends on hope, with gatherings without alcohol rooted in culture and community, and urges anyone going through a hard time to reach out to family, friends or professionals.
Case study
Using animation to open a difficult conversation about alcohol and suicide.
The problem
A painful reality that is hard to talk about
Suicide and alcohol are both heavily stigmatised topics. Young people and the adults around them need clear, non-judgemental information about how alcohol and suicide risk are connected, and where to turn for help.
The solution
Simple drawings, calm words, a clear message
Working with the Government of Greenland and PAARISA, we built the story from simple drawn visuals: a timeline, a vicious circle, a safe home and a shared meal outdoors. Calm narration runs in Greenlandic and Danish. The film closes by pointing viewers to support, including the Tusaannga helpline and Allorfik.
The result
A shared starting point
The animation gives schools, professionals and families an accessible way to start talking about alcohol and suicide, and makes it clear that no one has to go through a hard time alone.
How we work
Packages and the full process01
Concept & foundation
Preparation & research – we begin by researching the health topic in close collaboration with our clients. Story development – we build a narrative framework based on real stories.
02
The story takes shape
Script – easy to understand, human-centred and culturally grounded. Storyboard – every scene visualised before animation starts. Voice-over & translation – recorded professionally, with subtitles for accessibility.
03
The animation comes to life
Animation with warmth, clarity and emotional depth. Your feedback at every step. Delivery – ready for social media, teaching and campaigns.
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