The average addict doccie hits national theatres next year
ROSEBANK – Johannesburg has many faces and facets. Whether it is business, education, family or health, its energetic vibrancy cannot be disputed. But, just like any other metropolis, there’s also a shadier side to our City. A side on the seedy underbelly of darkness, fuelled by alcohol and narcotics.
This is the side Quintin van Kerken wants to expose.
As the chief whip of the non-profit organisation Anti Drug Alliance South Africa, Van Kerken took on the mammoth task of collecting the stories of thousands of drug addicts and alcoholics from across South Africa in order to compile and produce a documentary called <ct:Italic>An Average Addict<ct:>.
A former drug user, dealer and manufacturer himself, Van Kerken has personally seen the destruction addiction can cause, not only to the addicts themselves, but also to their families. Thus, he has made it his mission to make the documentary and make it available to schools throughout the country to educate schoolchildren – and the public at large – about the dangers of addiction.
“The film sets out to show the viewer where addiction can lead, and how devastating addiction can be,” said Van Kerken.
“At the same time, it will also carry a message of hope, that addiction is not the end of the world and that people can and do recover to live lives filled with happiness, peace and normality.”
Contrary to its title, the documentary consists of interviews with addicts from all walks of life, all of whom have extraordinary stories to tell. Addiction experts, lawmakers and law enforcers also weigh in with their opinions. It’s the interviews with the families, however, that hit closest to home.
“We travel from Joburg’s northern suburbs, where gambling, nightclubs and ‘cat’ (methcathinone) go hand in hand,” he continued.
“To the poorest squatter camps where the smell of <ct:Italic>nyaope<ct:> floating in the air is an everyday occurrence.
“Addicts tell us their stories of pain, trauma, hope and recovery.”
<ct:Italic>An Average Addict <ct:>is set for release in April next year and will be shown in national theatres. Van Kerken has vowed to give a minimum of 1 000 underprivileged schools a free copy with the intention of educating a million children about the dangers caused by addiction.
Post production still has to be completed and the alliance is currently appealing to the public to aid with fundraising in order to see the project completed.
“We are hoping the film will help our future generation make the right decisions when it comes to drugs and addiction,” Van Kerken concluded.
Anyone wanting to contribute to this vital cause can feel free to do so on the Anti Drug Alliance website, or contact Van Kerken to make additional arrangements.
Details: www.antidrugalliance.com
WATCH: The official trailer of the documentary:
