In a new short film from Field of Vision, filmmakers Kate Stonehill and Grace Harper utilize undisclosed messages from a family WhatsApp group to explore a dialogue between the wealthy Sackler family and individuals affected by the opioid crisis in the United States. The messages are displayed as text over scenes of expansive landscapes, abandoned homes, and empty streets, symbolizing the decline of once-vibrant communities.
Although the Sacklers are known for their philanthropic contributions, they have been less transparent about their financial gains from the sale of the opioid painkiller, Oxycontin. The film contrasts this with doctors who express remorse and examine their roles in the opioid crisis while discussing their ties to Big Pharma, aiming to explain the evolution of the current situation. Interviews bring to light the grief and anger of families, delving into the question of responsibility regarding their loved ones’ addictions.
The Family Statement opens a rare dialogue between the typically secretive Sackler family and those enduring the opioid epidemic’s impact, providing a moving critique on issues such as capitalism, corporate responsibility, denial, and suffering.
The film is available for viewing on fieldofvision.org.
The Family Statement has been featured at prestigious events including Sheffield DocFest, DOC NYC, Double Exposure, Hamptons International Film Festival, Doc10 Chicago, and IndyShorts. Directed by Kate Stonehill and Grace Harper, the film is produced by Steven Lake.
