Locally produced documentary chronicles several Rhode Islanders’ path to opioid addiction and recovery
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The United States Attorney’s Office’s Emmy nominated documentary Circles and Silence, a powerful sixteen-minute film narrated by a diverse group of Rhode Island young adults who share their personal journey through drug dependency and recovery, made its Rhode Island school debut in Cumberland last week with presentations to approximately 150 high school students.
The film’s classroom debut, scheduled for early 2021, was delayed due to COVID restrictions.
Circles and Silence documents the distinct paths that led these young people to addiction, in some instances to prison, and their journeys to successfully managing their addiction and recovery to pursue healthy and productive lifestyles. Several of the individuals profiled in the film appeared in-person at Cumberland High School for the film’s debut and participated in open and frank discussions with the students.
“Substance abuse continues to take a tremendous toll on every aspect of our communities, on our friends, and our family members," commented Acting U.S. Attorney Richard B. Myrus. “I commend these individuals’ courage and willingness to share their struggles with addiction, and their determination to find a path forward, with students across Rhode Island."
In addition to presenting the film, the United States Attorney’s Office Circles and Silence outreach program provides audiences with critical information about substance abuse disorder and the many prevention, recovery, and social service programs available statewide through an expansive network of providers.
The United States Attorney's Community Outreach Office is available to provide the Circles and Silence program to Rhode Island students grades 7-12, and to community and not-for-profit organizations at no cost. To learn more about the Circles and Silence Program or to schedule a presentation contact United States Attorney’s Office Community Engagement & Crime Prevention Coordinator David Neill at (401) 709-5035 or at David.Neill@USDOJ.gov.
The documentary film Circles and Silence was produced collaboratively by the United States Attorney’s Office and three Rhode Island-based production companies, Left of Creative, with offices in South Kingstown and Los Angeles, CA, DK Communications in Providence, and Ocean State Video in Cranston. Video clips of the film may be viewed and/or downloaded at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/circles-and-silence.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
