According the National Institute for Drug Abuse, every day, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. Executive producer Lamar Mackson and co-director Patrick Coker and Isaiah Mackson’s new short film, Heroin(e) attempts to shine a light on the struggles of those addicted and how it effects their families.
The film follows heroin addict Silvia (played by Teniece Divya Johnson) living fix to fix on the fringe of society. During her lowest point, a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger (played by John O’Sullivan) allows her a shot at redemption proving that even the wretched of the earth can be of value.
I had a chance to chat with Heroin(e)‘s executive director Lamar Mackson about the film and much more. Check out the full interview below!
What was the inspiration behind the film?
The script was written by Beeka Regassa, a former schoolmate of my youngest son, both were enrolled at Savanah College of Art and Design. The original script to place in a different location, however after reading it, we asked Beeka to make some adjustments to accommodate our production plans. In talking with Beeka about the project, It was clear that he wanted to tell the story that showed a person at the lowest level of society. How that person is treated in society and how that person can ascend beyond the surface perception that imprisons so many people. Judging a book by its cover is part of the message here but the deeper connotation and meaning of the film can be found in the title – Heroin(e) . The “e” in parentheses is a clue into the true message in the film.
Given the social climate, why is a film like Heroin(e) so important?
The very definition of being a hero or heroine is selflessly putting others ahead of yourself when lives are on the line. In America we believe that all heroes are lionized and celebrated, their lives dramatically changed for the better. We all like to believe that we have it in us to be a hero but thankfully most of us are not tested because we would fail. Heroine addict Silvia finds herself in the midst of an all too familiar scenario in today’s America and has to decide whether she has it in her to be a hero and what does that look like for her and her life.
Death due to opioid overdose are at an all time high. What do you want fans to take away from the individuals and families effected by opioid addiction?
The opioid crisis is a complex issue that cant be solved or addressed within the confines of a short film. The pharmaceutical industry in association with illegal street drug dealers have provided a ripe garden for physically and spiritually damaged individuals unfettered access to very powerful and destructive narcotics. The important thing to remember is that the drug takes advantage of the pain an user feels internally as well as externally. On the outside you may see a disheveled individual or a functioning addict, but it is important to look beyond the surface and try to empathize with the pain an individual has gone through and how each of us can play a roll in keeping that individual in the vicious cycle of abuse.
How and where can the public view the film?
Heroin(e) has currently been accepted to show at several festivals including IMDB Independent Shorts Awards, Hip Hop Film Festival NYC and Marthas Vineyard African American Film Festival. The public can catch the film showing at one of those festivals.
Hip Hop Film Festival NYC | AUG 4 2018 – 8 pm | BLOCK 14
