Branksome Hall

April 24, 2007

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Office of the Principal – Banksome Hall

Dear Tom,

This letter is one of appreciation for the privilege of screening the compelling documentary, Cracked Not broken, at Branksome Hall on Feb. 16/07. The impact on the students, faculty, and parents present was clearly evident. Lisa came from a background and school much like the girls in our audience. In the film, the messages of addiction were captured powerfully in “real-time” as Lisa speaks openly from her hotel room about supporting her crack cocaine habit through prostitution and injects herself with drugs in the process.

The impetus for screening the film was a proactive approach to educate our girls about substance abuse and addiction. Lisa’s struggle happened very innocently, experimenting with alcohol in middle school, marijuana and a few drugs in high school before spiralling out of control. Lisa’s university education, a career and motherhood are all a pert of the picture our girl’s families hope for. Lisa’s story opens a dialogue to discuss substance abuse and misuse and the resulting devastating effects it can have.

The presence of Lisa at the screening made the messages of the film even more powerful. Our students asked open and compelling questions to Lisa which she answered with honesty and insight. She left us with the clear message that addiction can happen to anyone and exerts a powerful control that is difficult to escape. The support around Lisa is clearly evident and required as she bravely continues to battle her addiction.

The film is highly recommended for viewing by those who wish to educate their communities about the power of addiction. We prepared our students with a brief overview of the content they would see and provided sessions for discussion following. Allowing students the opportunity to process and discuss the messages that the film portrays is important.

Through this film, Lisa gives addiction a human face, one to which our audience could relate. The messages conveyed will not be forgotten.

Sincerely,

Karen Murton, Principal
Freida Ross, Guidance Counsellor

St. Clements School

Cracked Not Broken

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St. Clement’s School had the privilege of being the first school to present Cracked Not Broken to  parents and students. This powerful film documentary presents a young woman, Lisa, discussing the impact that her drug addiction has had on her daily life, even as she takes calls from “clients” and injects herself with drugs.

The impact this documentary had on our constituents was impressive.  The absolute silence during the screening gave way to some fascinating and provocative discussion afterwards, when Lisa opened herself up to the audience for questions.

As someone who grew up in a community and environment similar to ours, the powerful message that drug addiction can hit anyone from any background, struck home with our parents and students.  Another message conveyed by the film was that even if the user is intelligent and well-spoken, the power of addiction is tremendously compelling. Wanting to escape the lifestyle is not enough. Drugs gain a huge control over the entire being and escaping its grasp is very difficult.

Comments such as “life-changing”, “powerful”, “disturbing”, “thought-provoking” were prevalent in the weeks after the screening. Many parents felt it extremely important that their daughters see the film and the students were blown away by Lisa’s honesty and bravery in sharing her story.

I highly recommend this film to any school or community group hoping to educate their constituents about the power of addiction.

Wendy Girvan
Director of Student Life
St. Clement’s School
21 St. Clements Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1V9