As more heroine-related deaths and arrests arise in Columbus, everyday conversations about the issue surface and awareness starts to spread.
But not as quickly as the unfortunate popularity of the drug.
This was one motive behind Columbus-area filmmaker Carlie Kiggans’ choice to tackle the problem of opiates in her most recent piece “M&M.”
“The film, itself, tackles the issue of drug abuse/addiction, particularly with heroin,” Kiggans says.
The absence of positive parental guidance can be a gateway to harsh drugs and a dangerous lifestyle, as the film depicts.
Here is Kiggan’s personal summary of the story:
“Maddie and Mimi had a really rough upbringing. Their parents were absent more than present, and because of this, they had to learn how to live on their own at a young age. Leaving them to only have each other.
“Due to the struggles of that, they turn to drugs and alcohol to silence their demons, often feeling mixed up and lost, and unsure of their purpose in the world. Mimi, who is the eldest, only by a year, begins to deal drugs at their high school, causing her to have a flood of finances that her and her sister had never experienced before.
“Out of curiosity, Maddie wants to know what her sister is up to, and wants to have a try of what is helping them afford so many new things. Things that no family member ever provided them with.”
The filmmaker looks to add a part two or a prequel to the movie. Because of a modest budget and time limitations, some of the motivation for drug use and causes of addiction were lost, but the devastating effect of heroine is portrayed all too real.
Kiggans currently resides in Cambridge, Ohio after spending time in various sections of the country. Born in Columbus, she attended Bowling Green State University for a year and half out of high school before traveling to California to continue film studies and transfer to a more professional environment.
“I was enrolled in an intensive, one-year program with extensive hands-on experience with the latest technology and access to Warner Brothers’ back lots,” she says. “We were taught by industry professionals, we had guest speakers from the industry and we sat in live production houses where films were being produced. We weren't treated as students. We were treated as professionals.”
The film can be viewed here: www.vimeo.com/86974185.
