A SOBERING STORY

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
Showtimes: 6:30pm & 9pm (Filmmaker Q&A after each screening)
Location: Silvercity Thunder Bay
​Runtime: 97-minutes

SHORT SYNOPSIS: 
Unveiling the harsh reality of substance use in Thunder Bay, Ontario, this universally themed documentary, told through personal narratives and expert insights, exposes a lack of resources while aiming to shatter stigmas and ignite compassion for those grappling with addiction.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT: 
Embarking on the journey of creating this documentary was a plunge into the unknown. Initially, I had no connection to the main subjects grappling with addiction in Thunder Bay, Ontario, or any understanding that addiction can be a disease. Their stories were unfamiliar, and as a filmmaker, I entered their world with an open heart and an unbiased lens, eager to shed light on the challenges they faced.
What began as a professional endeavour transformed into a personal exploration, forging unexpected connections with the people at the heart of the narrative.
In the end, my journey as a filmmaker not only captured the struggles and triumphs of some of those facing addiction but also became a testament to the transformative power of human connection. From my inception into this venture, I strived not merely to shed light on a local predicament but aspired to bestow a voice upon the often-overlooked community of individuals who are, essentially, voiceless.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

Directed by 
Ryan La Via

Written by
Ryan La Via
Ryan Hill
Matthew King

Main Subjects  
Kyle Arnold
Carolyn Karle
Jason Byerley
Kirstine Nicole Baccar

Produced by 
Ryan La Via
Ryan Hill

Associate Producer
Kelly Saxberg

Music by 
Michael Kondakow

Director of Photography
Ryan Hill

Edited  by 
Matthew King

Assistant Editor
Jessica L. Graham

Camera Department 
Patrick Chondon
Nolan Dennhardt
Jessica L. Graham
Curtis Jensen
Kay Lee
Jordan Lehto
Ryan Wilkie

Sound Department 
Jean-Paul De Roover
Erin Collins
Mackenzie Davis

Animation Department 
Rommel Jay Cayanga
Dominik Forde
Adam Okeese
Henry Suarez