4/15/19 @9:45am pst - Filmmaker Pat McGee is live on KUCI 88.9fm with host Janeane talking about shooting the documentary AMERICAN RELAPSE and how he was forced to walk the fine line between humanity and exploitation

KUCI: Get the Funk Out

"The biggest challenge as a filmmaker was realizing there is a fine line between humanity and exploitation. Each time someone shoots up they could overdose and die. This is as real as it gets, people are overdosing and dying at alarming rates. We wanted the doc to speak the truth, and to start an honest conversation about what's really happening in the streets. In order to do that you need to document and not produce. As a filmmaker I needed to understand what I'm okay with, can I accept the responsibility when someone dies in front of me because I did not prevent them from sticking a needle full of fentanyl in their vein. Documenting the heroin epidemic is tantamount to reporting from the frontlines of a war...people die, are you willing to get out of your comfort zone to document the truth?" - Pat McGee AMERICAN RELAPSE Drug overdoses killed more Americans last year than the Vietnam War. Recovering addicts Frankie and Allie spend their lives helping other addicts, but can they stay clean themselves? AMERICAN RELAPSE is a feature documentary about the ripped-from-the-headlines heroin epidemic and the corrupt underground rehab industry that has sprung up around it in Southern Florida. THE AWARD-WINNING FILM THAT INSPIRED VICELAND'S HIT SERIES ‘DOPESICK NATION’ OPENING IN LA & NY ON MARCH 29 AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL ON APRIL 2 Best Feature Documentary, Rhode Island International Film Festival Best Feature Documentary, Alexandria Film Fest MINT Spirit Award (Top Festival Prize), Montana International Film Festival Best Feature Documentary, Laughlin International Film Festival Best Feature Documentary, Mammoth Film Festival Best Feature Documentary, Other Venice Film Festival Social Awareness Award, Orlando Film Festival Recovering addicts Frankie and Allie spend their lives helping other addicts, but can they stay clean themselves? AMERICAN RELAPSE tells the story of two people fighting to make a difference against the devastating heroin epidemic that’s spawning a billion-dollar treatment industry. Against the odds, in an “Us vs. the World” mentality, two recovering addicts spend their lives pulling needles out of the arms of addicts and assist in placing them in reputable treatment facilities. The film features Frankie and Allie who live and work in Delray Beach, Florida, the Rehab Capital of America, now referred to by some as the Relapse Capital of America. They allowed the film crew all access for one weekend. What transpires over 72 hours is not only captivating and raw, but a heartbreaking rollercoaster ride. Frankie is 38 and has relapsed multiple times but continues to operate his F*ck Heroin Foundation with his mother. Allie is 28 and has been clean and sober for 10 years. While they are at different points on the recovery spectrum, they both share a deep belief in the 12th step: helping others. These unlikely and imperfect heroes opened their lives for the world to see, hoping to shine a light anywhere and any way they can. In the process, they show viewers and addicts alike that despite seemingly impossible odds and devastating damage, empathy and hope can restore a little bit of humanity to those who struggle and can sometimes save their lives. AMERICAN RELAPSE is directed by Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt, and is produced by Pat McGee Pictures in association with Sorted Pictures and Next Up Productions. Executive producers include Pat McGee and Stacy McPeak for Pat McGee Pictures, Ian and Jaime Manheimer of Next Up Productions and producers Terry Hahin and Adam Linkenhelt for sorted Pictures. The film has a running time of 105 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA. Pat McGee Pictures will release the film in Los Angeles and New York exclusively for one week beginning March 29. The film will screen at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Los Angeles and Cinema Village in New York City. Gravitas Ventures will distribute the film on VOD beginning April 2nd. Among the many platforms include iTunes, Google Play, Vimeo, and Amazon. https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/american-relapse/id1451031005 To view the trailer, go to: https://vimeo.com/309928484 For more information, go to: www.americanrelapse.com Posted by Get the Funk Out! at 10:58 AM No comments: Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest 4/15/19 9:30am pst - Award-winning author Marc Graham joins host Janeane live on KUCI 88.9fm CASTLE ROCK, CO—Award-winning author Marc Graham creates a fresh tale that weaves history and legend in Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba (April 16, 2019, Blank Slate Press). Using the newest archaeological finds and linguistic research, Graham constructs an accurate depiction of the Middle East in Old Testament times while bringing to light an important but rarely touched upon historical figure. Lift the veil of legend for the untold story of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and Bathsheba, wife and mother of Israel’s first kings. When Makeda comes of age she inherits what her father has left behind. Her city is on the brink of destruction as a crumbling dam threatens to wash away everything that Makeda has known. Graham’s characters explore the idea of familial honor in times of cultural disruption, their individual paths in light of their strong mythic beliefs, and to give voice to powerful women in history often neglected. Award-winning author Marc Graham dives into a much glossed over historical figure in Song of Songs: A Novel of the Queen of Sheba (Blank Slate Press, April 16, 2019). Using the latest archaeological findings and linguistic research, Graham constructs an accurate depiction of the Old Testament Middle East to revive the untold story of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, and Bathsheba, wife and mother of Israel’s first kings. In an interview, Marc Graham discusses: >The most recent archeological and linguistic research that led him to write Makeda’s story >The current crisis in Yemen, Makeda’s homeland, and his partnership with Zakat Foundation of America >His background as an award-winning author and how storytelling can be a tool to broaden perspectives and transform lives >His use of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Ethiopian, and Masonic myths for this non-traditional retelling of the Queen of Sheba’s story >How the shift from matriarchal polytheism to patriarchal monotheism changed our view of history >The importance of story, myth, and lore to social development >The power of myth in the #MeToo era Marc is pledging half of the book's proceeds to Yemen humanitarian relief and is partnering with the Zakat Foundation of America who will be matching his funds.