Crystal Fear, Crystal Clear
By Eva Wunderman
Jeneva Film

Methamphetamine, or “crystal meth” as it is sometimes known, is the third most abused street drug in the world, and has become the drug of choice for teenagers in small towns across North America. Highly addictive, cheap, and easy to get, meth is also an incredibly dangerous drug that can cause psychosis, permanent brain damage, and even death. Crystal Fear, Crystal Clear documents a year in the lives of three families devastated by this powerful, seductive drug.

Kelsie had stopped using meth, but when she chooses to move in with her drug-dealing boyfriend her parents almost give up on her — then she becomes pregnant. Will her coming baby give her the motivation to stay clean? Despite evidence to the contrary, LeRae hotly denies using drugs, and becomes estranged from her mother who, she finds out, has read her diary. She even refuses to let her mother attend her high school graduation.

Aaron is an aspiring young musician. His mother, Michelle, is a nurse who sees meth abusers coming into her emergency room on a regular basis, so she’s no stranger to what’s going on with her son — she’s had to ask him to leave the house because of his violent behavior toward her other kids. For now, he’s cutting a demo with a local producer, and he’s stopped using — or has he?

The program also features the dedicated principal of the alternative school the teens attend. He provides important emotional support and counseling to Aaron and Kelsie, and is clearly an important influence in their lives. Crystal Fear, Crystal Clear sheds light on a rapidly growing problem that affects communities of all sizes across Canada and the United States.

45 minutes
© 2005
Purchase $229 DVD
Order No. QA-473
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-899-5

Awards & Conference Screenings
WorldFest Houston Film Festival, Gold Remi Award
Individual Achievement Award, Outstanding Director
American Women in Radio and Television
Columbus International Film/Video Festival,
Bronze Plaque
Western Psychological Association
Gracie Allen Awards, Achievement Award
The Freddies, Finalist

Related Films
Dealing with the Demon: Three-episode series that interweaves contemporary human stories with crucial scenes from the history of the drug trade, providing a provocative and timely commentary from which to view the ongoing debate.

Not A Game: A stark, graphic warning about crystal meth aimed especially at pre-teens and younger children who might be influenced by older kids to "experiment." Classroom scenes show students practicing "refusal skills," and a plain-talking physician asks "What part of your brain would you like to do without?"

Recovering Krystal: The dramatic story of one teenage drug addict and runaway highlights a unique, 12-month alcohol and drug therapy program which treats both the abuser and his or her parents.

The Gospel According to Mr. Allen: The staff of the Addicts Rehabilitation Center struggle to give addicts a sense of dignity and hope as they try to break the harsh grip of drugs.

Worth Saving: This short video follows two drug users through a groundbreaking program that teaches the signs of drug overdose and the basic CPR needed to save lives. In an unusual and controversial approach, the DOPE program also prescribes the antidote Narcan directly to drug users.

Women: Coming Out of the Shadows: Ten women, of all ages and from all walks of life, share their stories of alcohol addiction and recovery.

To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

HOME  ||  TITLE INDEX  ||  SUBJECT AREAS  ||  RESOURCES  ||  RETURN TO TOP
CONTACT FANLIGHT  ||  FAQ