2007-08-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

SELF MEDICATED

Winner of 39 international film awards, including top prizes from Rome to Australia, Self-Medicated was the most award-winning independent film of 2006 during its record-setting run on the film festival circuit.

SYNOPSIS

Based on actual events. On the edges of Las Vegas, 17-year-old Andrew's life is spiraling out of control. Unable to cope with the loss of his father, Andrew's descent into drugs and violence is gaining momentum, and the once promising young man is now headed for self-destruction (in what Variety calls "an especially blistering performance by Monty Lapica"). Andrew's mother (Golden Globe nominee Diane Venora), helpless to control her son and fighting an addiction of her own, refuses to watch idly as her only child destroys himself. As a last resort, she hires a private company to forcibly kidnap and confine him in a locked-down and corrupt psychiatric hospital. As Andrew is subjected to the secret physical and emotional abuses of the program something inside him is re-awakened. He must somehow get free to save what's left of his life, but to do that, he knows he must first face his own demons head-on. Self-Medicated is an extraordinary portrait of redemption and personal triumph over hardship that "packs a startling punch" (Variety). "Raw, unmannered intensity ... Self-Medicated is just what the doctor ordered" (Hollywood Reporter).

REVIEWS

"A searing portrait of an out-of control youth. Blistering... Lapica's performance is something fierce!"- Variety"

There's a raw, unmannered intensity in Lapica's performance that sets the requisite tone for the entire production."- The Hollywood Reporter

"A powerful, personal piece of independent filmmaking... a moving and thoughtful gem." - Reel.com

"Self-Medicated is that rare treat: a really good movie!"- The Arizona Republic

"Searing, at times shocking visceral power to be found here."- MovieFreak.com

"Powerful. Diane Venora is superb." - Las Vegas Weekly

"So moving." - OC Weekly

"If you enjoy good acting, a stirring script and a compelling and thought-provoking experience, this is the one for you."- Boston Now

"It's scripted with directness and acted with honesty, it also looks and sounds gorgeous." - The Houston Chronicle

"On the basis of this film, Lapica has a career ahead of him as a director, an actor or both." - Roger Ebert

-------------------------------------

TEEN ADVOCATES USA REVIEW

At once edgy, personal, affectionate, wise and funny - Self Medicated pulls us into the darkest corners of the human spirit to reveal surprising pockets of hope and inspiration. An important film that is as entertaining as it is mesmorizing, Self Medicated shines a spotlight on the teen help industry exposing in raw, intimate detail the dehumanizing and tortuous effects of confining children in money-making institutions ruled by fear and intimidation. - Barbe Stamps

THE BACK STORY

To learn more about the real-life issues which inspired the making of Self Medicated including a special interview with writer-director-actor Monty Lapica, please visit the Teen Advocates USA website.