This gripping documentary takes a powerful look at the lives of people with substance use disorder in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Filmmaker Veronica Alice Mannix follows Constable Al Arsenault and six other police officers on their daily beat, documenting their unique relationships with people who speak candidly about their painful past experiences, their drug addiction, and life on the street.
Ages 13 to 17
Health/Personal Development - Mental Health/Stress/Suicide
Health/Personal Development - Substance Use and Abuse/Addiction
Media Education - Documentary Film
Social Studies - Contemporary Issues
Encourage discussion about the stereotypes surrounding drug addicts. Discuss why so many teens turn to drugs as a coping strategy. Compare and contrast the reality of life on the streets with the Hollywood depiction of drug addiction. Students can research the term skid row, showing how it applies to some parts of large cities. Discuss the effectiveness of this kind of documentary as a deterrent.