It seems inconceivable that by going to the doctor you could end up with a dependency on a prescription medicine that could result in you losing everything, including possibly your life. But that is the reality for thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Perhaps just as shocking is the fact that the dangers are known, but the drugs are still being prescribed to trusting patients, of which I was one. These are called Benzodiazepines, and they are a class of prescription drugs available all over the world. I wanted to produce this film to try and raise awareness of the problem.
FILM AIMS
The wider aims for the film are:
To help spread awareness of the dangers of some prescription medicines by reporting on my own experience, conducting investigative research and liaising with medical professionals.
Reassure the community of people suffering with physical dependencies from prescription medicines that you can survive, and make a full recovery.
Prove that regardless of your situation or starting point we can all set and achieve our goals; providing extra reassurance to those going through the same situation, and being of relevance to anyone facing any hurdles and adversity.
NARRATIVE
The personal aim and narrative of the film is to recover from the Central Nervous System damage caused by Benzodiazepines, as well as the psychological scars that remain, and live a full life once again.
Central to the theme of the film is the soundtrack, which I will be writing and producing as I go along. 'Distraction Technique' is a widely recommended and (arguable the only) significant tool for recovery, and with music also being a recognised therapy I'm confident that this will be key in accomplishing a full recovery.
The film will also pan out to the wider community; interviewing other people who have gone or who are going through a similar situation, as well as speaking with doctors and health professionals.
Whilst the film will explore the specific issue of Benzodiazepine use in part, there's also a main objective to question how this represents larger issues at play; such as why there's an epidemic need for anti-anxiety medicines in today's society, the effectiveness of how chronic and mental illnesses are dealt with, and the colours,complexities and rewards involved in taking responsibility for own health and well-being.
ABOUT
Film-making has always fascinated and inspired me. The art of storytelling in all its forms has always played a central role in human evolution and development, shifting and adapting to new ways of being told as our societies and technologies develop, but always maintaining its place as a fundamental part of life. Writing and bringing to life this personal story through creative means is a therapy in itself, and my hope is by doing so that it will open both an inner and interactive dialogue about some key issues that potentially affect us all.
I'm 31, British and currently living in England.www.emmahames.com
An introduction: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/sleeping-pills-and-minor-tranquillisers/about-benzodiazepines/#.XRCq4Xso_Vo