In the wake of the opioid crisis and the emergence of deadly fentanyl pouring into the U.S., the impact of drug addiction rages on, destroying communities and families. This documentary film – The Addict’s Wake – focuses on the people of one small town in Indiana who, like those in so many communities across the nation, have felt the ripple effect of the addiction crisis in every corner of their county.

“For children ages 12 and under, we are offering free childcare as we want parents to be able to attend,” said PCDFC president, Katie Surma. For those needing childcare, please RSVP by Nov. 15 to the Community Foundation at 574-946-0906.

“Transportation can also be an issue, so we’ve collaborated with our schools to provide transportation to and from the event,” Surma continued. There are three pick-up locations in the county: Medaryville Town Hall, Francesville Fire Department, and Eastern Pulaski Elementary School. Pick up time will be at 5:15pm and passengers will be returned to the same location after the event. Surma added, “Seating is limited, so we are asking people to RSVP so we can make sure everyone has a ride.” For those seeking transportation, please contact the Community Foundation at 574-946-0906 by Nov. 15.

The feature-length film seeks to link communities to take action and find a pathway to hope and recovery. “This film is a clarion call for community stakeholders to unite resources and ideologies to fight back against substance-use disorder at a grass-roots level,” said film producer Hall. “It takes you alongside a community searching for hope and solutions on the long journey from addiction to recovery.”

With methamphetamine, heroin, opioid addictions and deadly fentanyl, fatal overdoses were up 30 percent across the nation last year. “While this film is set in the small community of Brown County (IN), it’s the story of almost every county – small, rural, large, urban and inner city – in the United States,” said Hall. “And this crisis hits every aspect of our society.”

The documentary shares interviews and perspectives not only from individuals and families impacted, but teachers, law-enforcement, courts, neuroscience professionals and faith-based programs.

After the film screening, there will be a question-and-answer session with the film producer and president of Glory Girl Productions, Lisa Hall. Members of PCDFC will also be on hand for questions relating to Pulaski County. 4C Health will also have members of the mobile crisis team on hand, if anyone needs someone to talk to during or after the event.

Sandy Lucas, PCDFC member, said, “The Council is excited to bring this film to Pulaski County. We really think this will be a conversation point for our community. There are a lot of people who struggle with substance use disorder and our community can do more to support those seeking recovery.”

The Addict’s Wake has recently been selected to air on more than 300 public-broadcasting stations throughout the country. It has earned acclaim with the Audience Choice Award at the Heartland International Film Festival, in addition to winning the Sedona International Film Festival’s Independent Spirit Award.

The film has also spurred grant investment to create a shorter film that can be used in classrooms to help educate students and teachers about the impact of Substance Abuse Disorder, or SUD.

To view a trailer of the film, please click here. For reviews from film premiere attendees, please click here.

Glory Girl Productions was formed for the primary purposes of fostering social change, educating and creating events to improve the quality of the workplace, the home place and the community place. This mission will be achieved through film, story-telling, community events and wide-ranging dialog.

Pulaski County Drug-Free Council is the Local Coordinating Council for Pulaski County, as established by state law. PCDFC is the planning and coordinating agency for addressing alcohol, tobacco and other substance issues in the community. Members include volunteers from a variety of organizations, including education, treatment, social services, and local law enforcement. For more information about PCDFC, visit facebook.com/pulaskidrugfree