In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a recovered addict seeking to repair his personal and family life, returns to the rehabilitation center that saved his future. When a fellow patient runs away, he follows after to bring the patient back to get the help he needs before it is too late.
THE SHORT FILM:
This film project tells the bittersweet, but hopeful story of addiction and rehabilitation. While the film takes place in Argentina, addiction is something that is universal and with it comes an unfortunate universal stigma as well.
The goal of this project is to replace negative stigma with compassion and understanding for those dealing with addiction.
Through the film we will illustrate the realities of struggling and attempting to get clean and create conversation surrounding addiction and rehabilitation
Creating the short film is just the first step in completing our mission statement.
MISSION STATEMENT:
“The 4 Pillars of Rehabilitation:
Love, Understanding, Dialogue and Dedication.”
On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, you’ll find Vencer Para Vivir: A small rehabilitation center that you wouldn’t easily stumble upon without effort. I learned about it when my cousin Lucas Fernandez invited me there in 2022 while I was visiting Argentina. He had spent two years there recovering from drug addiction. Of course, it was no easy struggle, but it was one that he overcame, and he is now living a clean life.
THE REAL LIFE INSPIRATION:
When I went to visit, I was surprised for it to not be what I expected. The place is not a hospital-like setting and you won’t find a 12-step program here. Instead, the efforts are focused on 4 pillars: love, understanding, dialogue and dedication. Residents work in various roles and tasks through which they change their habits and prepare to reintegrate into society.
While there, I understood how special this place was to him. He kept telling me how this was the only place that felt like home. The people there are his family. During our time there, we decided that we wanted to make a short film. Several months later, I came up with a fictional idea for a short film, inspired by his stories from the center.
The 15-minute film will be shot on location in Argentina and seeks to humanize people dealing with addiction while illustrating the realities of attempting to get clean. Through actors and real-life residents of the rehab center, the film will tell a fictional but reality-based story.
-Filmmaker Dominick Cura
Lucas Fernandez and his son at “Vencer Para Vivir,” The rehab center where he spent 2 years