Heroin

Heroin(e) is a raw, powerful, and revealing documentary film that debuted in 2017. It was directed by Elaine McMillion Sheldon and features an intimate look into the heart of America's ongoing opioid crisis. Rather than merely presenting a bleak portrayal of the devastation wrought by drug addiction, however, Heroin(e) focuses on three heroic women within the community of Huntington, West Virginia who are actively combating the crisis—each in her unique way.

Jan Rader, a high-ranking Fire Chief, is the first figure profiled. Known for her dedication and loving compassion, she works tirelessly to save lives at the peak of emergency, resuscitating overdose victims. Not just content with saving them in the throes of emergency, she also endeavors to help them get on treatment pathways, giving them a chance at rehabilitation and reintegrating into society. Her efforts extend beyond her duty: she rolls up her sleeves, gets into the heart of the crisis, and battles it head-on both on the ground and at policy meetings.

The second persona is Necia Freeman, a dedicated real estate agent by day, and volunteer at a local outreach organization at night. Necia runs Brown Bags Ministry, which provides meals and support to the women who have found themselves entangled in both the law and drug addiction in Huntington. Her approach is drenched in empathy, recognizing the struggles and human stories behind the addiction, and offering support to many who have lost hope.

Lastly, the film introduces us to Judge Patricia Keller, a compassionate figure presiding over a drug court. She administers stern love, filling a role that demands both strength and sensitivity. Keller knows the importance of the second chance, she allocates her authority to get addicts into treatment and recovery programs, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives.

Set against the backdrop of Huntington, a city with an overdose rate 10 times the US average, the documentary resonates with authenticity and urgency. It presents a horrifying side of the American opioid crisis but powerfully counters it by showcasing the relentless efforts of these resilient women to make a difference within their community.

Heroin(e) puts its spotlight on an issue of critical national importance, the drug addiction crisis sweeping through small towns and big cities across the United States. This crisis is often dehumanized, reduced down to statistics and vilified victims. However, this film forces the audience to look beyond the grim surface and recognize the bravery of those who are on the frontlines every day, battling not only the crisis of addiction itself but the stigma and the social challenges it brings with it.

Director Elaine McMillion Sheldon employs a direct, unflinching style of filmmaking. She allows the stories to unfold with a sense of raw honesty, capturing moments of tragedy and triumph alike. Scenes are shot in real time, navigating the streets of Huntington, the emergency sites, rehab centers, the courtrooms, and even individual homes. The result is an intimate, in-depth insight into the lives of these empowering women.

Heroin(e) is not just a film about addiction; it's a film about hope, resilience, and the power of human compassion. It's about the women who refuse to give up on their struggling community. The story told is one of tragedy, but also of redemption—where failure is but a stop on the route to success. It's a distinctive story about the modern American frontline heroes – women swathed not in capes, but the shared vulnerabilities of their fellow humans, the will to pull them from the brink of devastation, and the determination to help them reclaim their lives.

The film was nominated for the Academy Awards in 2018 in the category of Best Documentary Short Subject, and won an Emmy for Outstanding Short Documentary, marking it as an important and critical piece of modern filmmaking.

The production is 39 minutes long, an impactful account that is as stark as it is thought-provoking. Heroin(e) paints a defined picture of a community grappling with death and despair, but more importantly, it poignantly underlines those refusing to let their home be defined by it. It's a must-watch for viewers seeking to understand more about the opioid crisis and the everyday heroism on the frontlines. This is a well-crafted small film with a massive, resonating impact – one bound to spark important conversations and inspire action.