Pubdate: Mon, 01 May 2006
Source: Leaside-Rosedale Town Crier (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 Town Crier Media Inc.
Contact:  http://www.towncrieronline.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2362
Author: Carmine Bonanno
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

PARENT REACHES OUT TO KIDS WITH DRUG DOCUMENTARY

It's usually a subject parents do not want their children exposed to, 
but Paul Perrier believes his movie is different. This Leaside father 
is using his documentary to teach teenagers about the dangers of drug 
addiction.

Cracked, Not Broken is a documentary that Perrier, a local filmmaker 
and photographer, is screening for highschool students across the 
city. The 45-minute film tells the story of Lisa, a former account 
manager and mother, who is addicted to crack cocaine.

A majority of the movie is a face-to-face talk between Perrier and 
Lisa, as she talks about the struggles with her addiction and how she 
has turned to prostitution. A scene where Lisa shoots up highlights 
the documentary.

It was Lisa, who is best friends with Perrier's wife, Nicol, who 
contacted him about making the film. In mid 2003, Lisa was clean and 
told Perrier that if she ever relapsed, he could interview her and 
film it. In February 2004, Perrier shot the movie.

"I never had any intention of filming a movie about Lisa," 
said Perrier. "Her main deal was she wanted to talk about 
addiction and not recovery. I guess she used it as way to help 
herself and now I'm using it to help kids."

Since Perrier felt kids relate really well with Lisa, he thought the 
film would be a good tool to educate them about the dangers of drug 
addiction. He said while the movie is very graphic and uncensored, 
teens can learn from it.

"Lisa's story can help people, including young adults, and 
prevent them from getting as bad as she did," he said. 
"This is something I'd want my kids to eventually see and learn 
from. They'd see what consequences come with drugs."

Perrier has two daughters, Dylan and Taegan, who attend Deer Park 
Public School, a school that promoted the movie's latest screening on 
April 29 at the Regent Theatre. Deer Park principal Peter Thatcher 
said while the students at his school are perhaps a bit too young for 
the film, parents and young adults can learn a lot from Lisa.

"The movie raises awareness of drugs in our community and the 
impact they can have on kids," said Thatcher. "It changed 
my life, as it reinforced that drug use is not confined to one part 
of the city, it's definitely a citywide issue."

While Perrier hopes he can raise awareness among the city's youth, he 
is glad the movie has helped Lisa on her journey to recovery. She 
recently travelled to California to begin a rehabilitation problem.

"Lisa's whole story is very surreal to me. Here's a lady trying 
to save her life with a movie," he said. "She's a work in 
progress and hopefully there is a happy ending.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom