Director Statement: 

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When I direct a script that I haven’t myself written, it’s because I’m moved by the writer’s deeply personal connection with the work, and their mission statement. So when Neal Hemphill and I decided to collaborate, I knew that my job as the director was to understand his vision as the writer and performer, and to serve that vision. This is why, when Neal showed me the famous painting of “The Man on The Bed,” I used it to inform the look of the film. In honor of the profound efforts and countless lives saved by AA, I created a shot in the interior scene that replicated the painting.

 

Although alcohol hasn’t been one of my own addictions, given the number of lives ruined by the trillion-dollars alcohol industries, I assume that my life is surrounded by people saved by AA. There probably isn’t one of us that hasn’t been impacted by someone’s addiction to alcohol in our lives, or benefited, unknowingly, from the tireless work of AA members. I was honored to be enlisted towards these efforts as a filmmaker and to contribute in this way.

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Writer statement: 

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I was inspired to write this when I saw a young man, who has become a friend, getting sober. I saw his passion for change, and for a better life. But, most importantly, I saw the light go on in his eyes - the light of understanding that he has a way out, and that the possibility of a good life exists. What I saw play out over weeks is boiled down to a few moments in this film.

Sadly, in recovery, we’re told that we’ll be stepping over dead bodies. This film also addresses that, metaphorically. 

Recovery is for people who want it, not for those who need it.