The abuse of opioids and prescription painkillers have been linked long before the start of the Civil War and an issue our society still struggles with. As The Centers Of Disease Control and Prevention tries to tackle this epidemic in different ways, opioids are being consumed at an alarming rate, killing more patients frequently than any other medication.
Creating awareness on social causes through screenwriting is a resource writers use to portray in depth the lives of so many individuals affected by issues such as drug addiction, as well as to show the victims that they are not alone on this fight. Our Australian Ambassador, Kelly Pantaleoni and Anaisa Visser, are together mirroring life through art in their movie Broken.
Broken is a film about a young woman who is sexually abused and turns to Fentanyl to numb the pain. The movie explores the struggle of sexual abuse, drug addiction and finding yourself before you lose it all.
We interviewed Kelly on her drive to make this film, her constant involvement on social causes and activism, as well as bringing together entertainment and social responsibility.
How did your love for movies get sparked? What role have they played in your life?
KP: I grew up on a farm with a vivid imagination for all things make believe. I would create worlds around me and get lost in them. When I watched movies I felt like I could also get absorbed into them, and they inspired me to go out and reach for more in life. Movies have shaped me into who and where I am today.
What inspired you to create Broken?
KP: Moving to BC, Canada, I started reading a lot about the Fentanyl crisis and how badly it’s affecting society here and all over the United States. I want to open up a discussion about how destructive this highly addictive prescription is, and explore an issue that often pushes people to try Opioids- sexual abuse. Fentanyl is used to numb pain, and a lot of times that is caused internally by past traumas. I wanted to tell a story about a girl who goes down a dark path, but finds a way to come out of it on top. Broken will hopefully show women they’re not alone, and that addicts can recover and become stronger then ever.
What message would you like to share with your audience?
KP:That the power of forgiveness, love, compassion and understanding can break down any barrier. We are stronger together, and you don’t have to fight your battles alone. There is always someone out there who has gone through what you have, and can help you through it too. Seeking community and support can help you through any tough time, just like it has for challenges i’ve faced in life.
Do you believe filmmakers have any responsibility to culture?
KP: Yes for sure! And we need to see them taking responsibility for it. I want to see more hard topics tackled, more current issues being explored, more solutions on screen. People turn to movies for an escape, but they also want to connect and feel inspired to overcome their own issues by watching their heroes do it in front of them. If I see someone inspiring on screen, I feel like I can go out there and do it too.
Do you feel that being a creative person requires that you tell a particular story or give back?
KP: Naturally, creative people want to share our feelings and be heard. So we have stories within us that are screaming to be seen, and we know which ones they are. But giving back and finding a way to turn pain into art, or as I like to think of it “tragic into magic”, is our duty as a human and story teller. We aren’t doing anyone justice when we don’t use our skills to help others.
As we see the rise of women in the creation of movies, we also see the rise of social causes inspired scripts. Do you think these movies can possibly inspire social change?
KP: That makes me so excited, because change is happening. And it all came from one Actress standing up and letting herself be heard. I think they are and will continue to inspire a lot of social changes, and that’s what i’m hoping Broken will do also. Even if it just causes people to see a different perspective on life and understand someone’s struggle more, then we have made an impact.
Broken portrays the story of a women that suffers from sexual abuse and drug overdose. Considering that it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, what message would you like to share with survivors?
KP:As much as I have a love/ hate relationship with social media, it has helped spur this whole women’s movement of #MeToo so women feel more connected in their struggles then ever. It is helping us understand that we’re not alone and there’s so many people out there who are also suffering. That knowledge, that connection is powerful. Take advantage of that community and connect with your fellow females who can relate and inspire you. You can shape your circle of influence now more then ever, so make sure it’s positive and inspiring to you. If we lift each other up, we will all rise up together so much faster. We are never alone.
