Audience, Withoutabox

A Call To Return : The Oxycontin Story U S A

Directed by: Sam Carroll
Country:U S A
Created:2006
Runtime:52 min.
Member: ACTR2006
Average rating: 5 by 1 users



Film Description:

Synopsis

Filmed in remote corners of Maine, this documentary explores how aggressive marketing and perscribing of the painkiller OxyContin led to a drastic spike in opiate addiction among rural populations beginning in 1996, the year of its introduction. Together, the stories of Sayra, a young woman who, not knowing what it is, first takes OxyContin recreationally as a teenager, Larry, a wilderness guide who becomes addicted after sustaining injuries on a bear hunt, and Kia and Jeff, a Passamaquoddy Indian couple who, due to their proximity to the Canadian border, support their habit through international drug smuggling, illustrate the profoundly corrupting influence of OxyContin addiction on the traditional lives of rural Americans. Connecting their stories is the Discovery House methadone clinic run by substance abuse counselor and community activist Marty O'Brian, who is committed to helping those who feel the 'call to return' to the normal lives that they never sought to leave. Soon demand for such support rapidly outpaces the clinic's capacity, with some patients driving six hours each way for treatment. Yet efforts to open more clinics are fiercely challenged by communities afraid of the risks methadone users represent to the safety of their homes and schools. Battle lines are thus re-drawn for a new war on drugs, with no clear way to succeed. In the middle is OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharmaceuticals, which advises doctors not to prescribe its products 'improperly.'

Forms: Documentary, Feature
Genres: Human Rights, Independent

Screenings & Events

2006 Jackson Hole Film Festival
Film Festival
Jackson Hole, U S A
June 2006

Maine International Film Festival
Film Festival
Waterville, U S A
July 2006

Chicago Indiefest
Film Festival
Chicago, U S A
August 2006

IFP MARKET
OTHER
New York, U S A
September 2006

Cast & Crew

Production

Sam Carroll (Executive Producer, Producer, Director (1st Project,1st Feature))

Camera

Ari Issler (Cinematographer/DP), Matt Ruskin (Cinematographer/DP)

Music

Third Person (Original Music/Composer)

ACalltoReturn has not yet posted any blog entries.

Ratings

ocd_films
    5 Stars

1 Comments about A Call To Return : The Oxycontin Story

ocd_films
Jul 30, 2006 09:49PM

Excellent doc, intelligently exploring a nuanced topic. Great music too. How're the festivals treating you? -Dan

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