After a chance encounter at a liquor store, three addicts begin their respective journeys towards getting clean.

Interview with Writer/Director Paul Pompa III

Watch Untreated on YouTube

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Due to the epidemic of addiction, we wanted to expose its harsh reality through film. Being in recovery ourselves, my brother and I have witnessed many types of scenarios. Things we have faced first hand and things we saw others do. The idea that prompted me writing the film was hearing a high school friend died due to an overdose.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch this film to gain an understanding of addiction and lengths addicts go to get their fix. Most people know people who struggled with addiction or struggled themselves and this gives insight into that dark world.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

We all struggle with our own issues, ones we create ourselves and ones that we have no control over. The theme is powerlessness. Everyone has been at that point where they're powerless over something. In addiction, the person may want to stop what he or she is doing even if they know they have a problem. But they are stuck.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

At the beginning of writing Untreated, I just wanted to make an entertaining film. It evolved into giving hope to people who need recovery.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Overall, everyone who has seen it has liked and has said something good about it. But there are some people who are more inclined to like more dark dramatic films. This is that film. Those in recovery love the film because of how it depicts addiction.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I'm looking to gain exposure. I hope someone is willing to check the film out who goes to your site. Hopefully, someone who needs the message of recovery.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

My team really wants distributors to come on board. We would like to use this as an educational video for rehabs and colleges so by having them interested would be great.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want people to feel punched in the gut after watching this film. like a smack of reality that addiction is real and this is how people suffer. These three characters in the film want to stop but not all are lucky. I want the audience all to root for them to beat the habit.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Do you think somebody is powerless over addiction? Can you say that desire to stop is not enough?

Would you like to add anything else?

We submitted to a bunch of festivals and are waiting to hear from them.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm writing a feature film in the genre of horror and suspense. It’s about a new tenant that interferes with a couple's marriage. The husband suspects the tenant is not what he claims to be. Once he finds out his true intentions, the husband must stop him before it’s too late.

Interview: March 2020

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Untreated

After a chance encounter at a liquor store, three addicts begin their respective journeys towards getting clean.

Length: 17:50

Director: Paul Pompa III/Benjamin Murray

Producer: Michael Christensen

Writer: Paul Pompa III

About the writer, director and producer:

After overcoming his own battle with addiction, PAUL POMPA III, was inspired to make his directorial debut by showcasing the depths addicts will go to when in its vice-like grip. This film aims to open the door to the conversation surrounding the drug and alcohol abuse epidemic in this country and empower people looking to get clean.

Fascinated by technological & internet cultural trends, MICHAEL CHRISTENSEN channels a finger-on-the-pulse insight through his work and incorporates a relentless passion & excitement into everything that he does.

MICHAEL POMPA, is the Executive Producer on this project. He is the CEO of Lost Soul Productions. He funded this project and currently handles the checks and balances of that production company.

Key cast: Joey - Slaine/ Peter - Nathan Wallace /Penny - Kimberly Michelle Thomas /Kevin - Saul Rendino

Looking for: distributors, film festival directors

Instagram: @untreated.short

Hashtags used: #untreated #inclineproductions #lostsoulproductions

Made in association with: Incline Productions

Funders: Michael Pompa-CEO of Lost Soul Productions

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Still in submission stage