Panel Addresses the Realities of Methamphetamine Addiction 

Contact:
Donovan Kuehn, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Join a panel discussion about methamphetamine addiction and what film can do to fight the problem.  The discussion follows the world premiere of Meth Head, the first feature film to offer an honest and compelling portrayal of a methamphetamine addict that will premiere at the DC Independent Film Festival  the evening. 

TV shows like Breaking Bad have taken an indirect look at the methamphetamine epidemic that has ravaged cities and rural communities for years, but Meth Head is the first narrative film to focus on addicts and families. Even as media attention on the issue has waned in recent years, the drug's abuse hasn't. This panel stirs discussion about meth addiction, prevention and treatment.

The panel will take place on Friday, March 8th, from 10 am to noon at the Charles Sumner School at 1201 17th St. NW, Room 101 Washington, D.C. 20036

Panelists include:

• Dr. Edwin M. Craft of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• Dr. Gaya Dowling of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health
• Patricia A. Taylor, Executive Director of Faces and Voices of Recovery
• Marie Gallo Dyak, Executive Vice President of the Entertainment Industries Council
• Jane Clark, writer, director, producer and editor of METH HEAD
• John W. McLaughlin, actor, producer, and the inspiration for the METH HEAD story

To RSVP, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with METH HEAD in the subject line.

METH HEAD is written and directed by Jane Clark and inspired by the real-life experiences of Clark and producer-actor John W. McLaughlin.  The powerful drama stars Lukas Haas (Lincoln, Brick) as Kyle Peoples, a man with a more successful partner (Wilson Cruz) and a family who doesn't understand him. When an innocent night of partying leads to a new family of friends, Kyle sees an escape. But Kyle's freedom ultimately becomes his trap, and the drug is slowly killing him, physically and psychologically. Hitting bottom, Kyle faces one choice - life or meth. The movie also stars Tom Sizemore (Hawaii Five-O, Black Hawk Down), Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls, Saw IV, V, VI), Theo Rossi (Sons of Anarchy) and Candis Cayne (Dirty, Sexy, Money) The score of the film was composed by Tears for Fears co-founder Curt Smith and his frequent collaborator Charlton Pettus.

Please join the filmmakers , stars and the organizers of the 15th Annual DC Independent Film Festival in celebrating the world premiere and join us the following day for an in-depth discussion. For more information about METH HEAD, and to see the movie trailer, go to www.themethheadmovie.com.

For the film contact: Dorie Hightower at 301.706.7633 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     
For the festival contact: Maria Datch at 202.338.1198 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it