MDFF 2021 - The Final Fix
Could there really be an answer to opioids?
Interview with Director/Producer Norman Stone
Watch The Final Fix on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
The claims of this extraordinary, non-pharmaceutical drug addiction treatment (NET) are crazy - it promises to "bring anyone off any drug of addiction in 5-7 days with minimum (if any) discomfort, and with no further cravings from then on!" After doing smaller, surprisingly positive, T.V. documentary work on this story, I realised that a larger, stronger and more robust Feature Documentary needed to be made - to REALLY see if this thing worked or not. We would show the results either way - good or bad - but if it DID work as claimed, it would certainly be the biggest game-changer in addiction history, and tens of thousands of lives would be saved.
As an experienced film maker of some years standing, I don't think I've ever had that as a potential outcome of one of my films.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
THE TREATMENT WORKED...so this is history in the making. Don't believe it without seeing it. We ran our own independent 'Trial' filming anything and everything, up close and personal, warts and all. This is a stringently 'honest' documentary. You see what we saw. Watch it and make your own minds up.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film is a Documentary not a Drama. There was no script... just great characters, true humanity, real life and death situations buckets of emotion and crucial 'Honesty'.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
There was no script, but there was an 'intended' structure of storytelling. But as every honest documentary film maker knows, you genuinely have to follow the story, and see where it takes you. Lots of things changed beyond our initial expectations during filming, but by far the main thing was to stay true to what we were seeing, and report what ever happened responsibly.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
A fantastic response from addicts, the general public questioning critics and Film Festivals.
A blank refusal to engage with, and connect to, the story of this film especially from Big Pharma, the addiction industry's 'Status Quo' and Politicians. My own Government here in Scotland (which has the world's worst drug-death figures by far) have refused to even watch one frame of this film. It is perceived as a threat to their own 'pharmacy-based' policies and political reputations.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The political response has surprised me. The film does not demand that this treatment should be instantly adopted and take over... only that, judging by our evidence, it should be 'looked at and tested' by the authorities. The stakes are so high in matters of life and death, that NOT to do so would seem to be an open abrogation of political responsibility.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
For more and more viewers having a chance to be aware of this story, to think and be challenged, and push for any gate-keepers and authorities to do the right thing and 'take a look'.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anyone who can help get this film 'out there'. Buyers, Distributors, Sales Agents would be the obvious choice.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have
I'd like people to see that there is the possibility of real hope in the addiction disaster that was the pandemic before Covid, right?
I'd also like to appreciate the film for it's visual storytelling skills and quality. It's a memorable piece of work, and the talents of Ewan McGregor as narrator are excellent.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
If this treatment works, why haven't we heard about it?
There is a whole range of private interests who are NOT in favour of The Final Fix being shown and discussed... and not just compromised politicians.
There are many, many groups and individuals who are doing 'very nicely thank you' in the 'Addiction Industry' as things stand... especially in Pharmaceuticals.
If something non-pharma comes along that really works, it would hit their multi-billion dollar 'Profit Plans' big-time.
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for reading...
Watch the film...
Make a noise!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The Most Reluctant Convert - an experimental, quality drama in C.S. Lewis, the creator of Narnia' - out this November.
R.O.K. - A T.V. Action series set in Gibraltar.
Interview: July 2021
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
The Final Fix
Length:
1:34
Director
Norman Stone & Tim Neeves
NORMAN STONE is a highly acclaimed, multi-award winning TV and Film Director/ Producer of Drama and Documentary films. He has 2 Emmys, 2 BAFTAs, and numerous other accolades. Norman is CEO of Scottish-based independent Film & TV company, 1A Productions and, after 47 years of filmmaking, he feels The Final Fix is the most important film he has ever made.
TIM NEEVES is a gifted music composer who has adapted his creativity into the art of visual storytelling. Working with leading brands such
as National Geographic, World Vision, ITV and NBC, Tim has 17-years’ experience producing/directing on the international stage.
Looking for:
sales agents, distributors, buyers, film festival directors
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheFinalFix/posts/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_final_fix/tagged/
Where can I watch it now?
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival