R039 - a student film about Xanax use disorder
Donation protected
R039 follows a teenager named Reggie on his violent journey through Xanax withdrawal. After his mother comes home with a prescription, he begins to steal them to escape his own worries. Uninformed on the dangers of withdrawal, his mother finds out and cuts him off leading to Reggie experiencing severe side effects. Not knowing what to do or where to seek help, he is left on his own to either find some more pills or potentially suffer the fatal withdrawal symptoms.
About the Filmmakers:
Director, Hasan Taleb
Hasan is 20 years old and is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film & Television. He began focusing on cinematography by shooting student films and learning from experienced mentors but now is transitioning into the role of the director, taking a strong visual style with him. He plans on starting with a career in music videos, but he would eventually like to make his way into creating feature films that inspire change and conversation.
Producer, Tyler McEvilly
Tyler is 20 years old and also pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film & Television. Raised outside the city of Chicago, he became increasingly interested in cinema blending with hip-hop music, with one of his favorite films being Mid 90s. He is hoping to incorporate this passion into the sound design of ‘R039’. Tyler wants to pursue a career in either producing or feature development after graduation next year.
About Xanax/Benzo Abuse:
Xanax is a popular form of Benzodiazepines, which can be prescribed by doctors to prevent issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc. Benzodiazepines have become one of the most popular drug categories of the last decade due to the ease of access and portrayal in mainstream media.
This drug can be addictive whether from a doctor's prescriptions, or illicit sources. Although many may know about this drug, very little understand the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Someone who has abused the drug and attempts to go cold turkey may experience; paranoia, vomiting, seizures, and even death.
Since this drug has influenced hip-hop and youth culture so much, it has started so many teenagers on a path of dangerous drug use. There are many ways that young people develop an addiction, but 70% of Teens begin by stealing the drug from a family member.
What is the money going towards?
Meeting our donation goal will allow us to pay for the production expenses associated with film production. We believe we have a strong message to communicate, and combining that with an experienced cast and crew, industry standard production equipment, and realistic props and sets will support the impact we are looking to make. Whatever amount you are able to donate will help immensely and we appreciate every single dollar we receive more than we could explain.
Our goal:
If donations exceed our goal, we will be donating these funds to Shatterproof. This is a non-profit organization based out of New York City and since 2012, they have been fostering a community of families affected by addiction. They continue to advocate for congressional changes to benefit those suffering from the disease, and we believe this organization will help end the stigma associated with addiction.
Our hope of this film is to educate teens & families about the abuse of Xanax. While it can be a beneficial drug for those that need it, the abuse and influence on young generations today is leading to an epidemic. We hope that after seeing this film, people understand and become willing to help those around them suffering from addiction or withdrawal.
If you are looking for more resources or information:
Facts about Xanax
Withdrawal Timeline
Symptoms
Shatterproof
About the Filmmakers:
Director, Hasan Taleb
Hasan is 20 years old and is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film & Television. He began focusing on cinematography by shooting student films and learning from experienced mentors but now is transitioning into the role of the director, taking a strong visual style with him. He plans on starting with a career in music videos, but he would eventually like to make his way into creating feature films that inspire change and conversation.
Producer, Tyler McEvilly
Tyler is 20 years old and also pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film & Television. Raised outside the city of Chicago, he became increasingly interested in cinema blending with hip-hop music, with one of his favorite films being Mid 90s. He is hoping to incorporate this passion into the sound design of ‘R039’. Tyler wants to pursue a career in either producing or feature development after graduation next year.
About Xanax/Benzo Abuse:
Xanax is a popular form of Benzodiazepines, which can be prescribed by doctors to prevent issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc. Benzodiazepines have become one of the most popular drug categories of the last decade due to the ease of access and portrayal in mainstream media.
This drug can be addictive whether from a doctor's prescriptions, or illicit sources. Although many may know about this drug, very little understand the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. Someone who has abused the drug and attempts to go cold turkey may experience; paranoia, vomiting, seizures, and even death.
Since this drug has influenced hip-hop and youth culture so much, it has started so many teenagers on a path of dangerous drug use. There are many ways that young people develop an addiction, but 70% of Teens begin by stealing the drug from a family member.
What is the money going towards?
Meeting our donation goal will allow us to pay for the production expenses associated with film production. We believe we have a strong message to communicate, and combining that with an experienced cast and crew, industry standard production equipment, and realistic props and sets will support the impact we are looking to make. Whatever amount you are able to donate will help immensely and we appreciate every single dollar we receive more than we could explain.
Our goal:
If donations exceed our goal, we will be donating these funds to Shatterproof. This is a non-profit organization based out of New York City and since 2012, they have been fostering a community of families affected by addiction. They continue to advocate for congressional changes to benefit those suffering from the disease, and we believe this organization will help end the stigma associated with addiction.
Our hope of this film is to educate teens & families about the abuse of Xanax. While it can be a beneficial drug for those that need it, the abuse and influence on young generations today is leading to an epidemic. We hope that after seeing this film, people understand and become willing to help those around them suffering from addiction or withdrawal.
If you are looking for more resources or information:
Facts about Xanax
Withdrawal Timeline
Symptoms
Shatterproof
Organizer and beneficiary
Tyler McEvilly
Organizer
Tucson, AZ
Hasan Taleb
Beneficiary