His Name Is Ray (Fentanyl Crisis Documentary)

[@allisonrekus4717]

Thank you Michael Del Monte. I met you briefly at Ray's Memorial gathering earlier this year. Raymond was a very good friend of mine growing up and whom I reconnected with for a short period when he lived on his sailboat. You told his story and the story of addiction beautifully and the real life consequences of those choices. He leaves behind family and friends who loved him dearly and wish he had made better choices. Your work is incredible, and I'm glad you stopped that day to get to know him. ❤

[@eustab.anas-mann9510]

"Just make better choices, addicts" You're making it sound as if addiction is completely voluntary. Even though addiction is as "voluntary" as someone overcome with thirst drinking any water that they can find: from a puddle, from a toilet bowl. Yes using _is_ a choice but it's a severely compromised choice. Please get yourself educated on the disease of addiction.

[@bradpnw1897]

Very true about addiction. Lots of people addicted to opiates didn't choose to become addicted to opiates. I went through eight surgeries over the course of two years and became dependent upon oxycontin and then after my surgeries were over the doctors just took it away without weaning me off of it properly. That's when I went to heroine as there was nothing else no one knew about kratom as this was early 2002. 20 years later and I am still dealing with the consequences of addiction and just trying to get my life in order and I live near Seattle where everybody is Rich and everybody has money and it is insanely expensive and so just getting by is very very hard and it is all I can do to just keep going. Thank God I got sublocade. That has freed me immensely from having to use illegal drugs as I haven't used any heroin and Fentanyl in almost 2 years. But I am weaning off the sublocade which is fun enough in itself add hard to do anything else I am trying to go back to college this next quarter and I am looking forward to that as I have nothing else besides food stamps. Oxycontin and snared so many people when they shouldn't have ever been given opiates like that at such a high dose especially in the early 2000s it is killed so so many and led so many to heroin and opioid addiction. Even a lot of people that got off oxycontin are now on methadone or Suboxone for potentially the rest of their lives or for many many years even if they detox it takes some years to get off and years to feel decent again. Addiction is a disease. Full stop point blank. The worst thing about being addicted to heroin was that it cut me off from society for so many years and I wasn't able to work or function in society so trying to get back to being a quote normal person is incredibly hard. that was the worst thing that being addicted to opiates ever did to me was it cut me off from normal society whereas if you're addicted to alcohol nicotine or caffeine you can be in normal society and still buy your drugs completely legal and not have to be cut off and ostracized from society. I go to a church group and there are lots of people there that are dealing with alcohol issues but they can work as they can buy alcohol legally for cheap and as long as they don't get too drunk at work they can still work no problem. Where as you cannot do that with opiates. Like Ray I was a person that was in the fire department I had a career I was going to college I was building a career in life for myself before I needed eight surgeries because my jaw bones were literally falling apart because of bad genetics. Opiate addiction is a very cruel and insidious disease. God bless

[@BonnieHansen-w6l]

​@@eustab.anas-mann9510 But the thing is, everyone KNOWS these drugs are addictive, so why even do them the first time? That's the part where it absolutely is a choice. Nothing about that life is appealing.

[@sweetpeach3241]

​@@eustab.anas-mann9510its NOT ADDICTION IT IS DEMON POSSESSION

[@Grahamt978]

So many found a friend in Ray, Rest easy mate🤍

[@marcimonroe7352]

The kindest man to take Ray sailing. Rest easy, Ray. No more pain.

[@LoloO42]

Bless the heart of the man who took a stranger sailing. Beautiful.

[@ianamon2890]

Canadians man 🥲

[@thefilmtRANscend]

Alex. he was a very great guy

[@rustysphotography]

Hey stranger , wanna go sailing sometime ? i don't have a boat however , if you say yes it's worth while getting one though :) lol

[@TikuVsTaku]

Kindness of strangers is the most beautiful thing. I kinda keep forgetting that it even exists anymore, so it moves me to tears every single time. ❤

[@rustysphotography]

@@TikuVsTaku Joking aside , i 100% agree . I have Autism and it makes me more thoughtful than most people , but i often think being super thoughtful towards anyone just regularly shows you how so many other people are so selfish and incapable of thinking of others . my thoughtful mind is a part of my autism i am proud of but everything has a different perspective and it makes me so vulnerable in relationships that I have had to give up on the dream i will ever find someone genuine . Being caring makes people use me without me seeing it over and over . I have noticed people changing and now just holding a door open for a woman doesn't even get a thanks .

[@tderrenberger1]

As a former addict (never homeless) I was able to connect immediately with Ray’s plight. This film shows the strength of the human spirit regardless of the situation. Ray was an intelligent, hard working and resourceful fellow. You were able to show his perseverance for life even though his addiction had taken what we would consider a normal life away. Imagine having to do what Ray did daily for survival. Not many of us would last long. I read your initial email about this film and found that Ray had passed away this summer. I was in tears. This film moved me greatly. What you did to film this with virtually next to nothing but a single camera and lens is incredible. You captured the essence of a human with dreams and aspirations that sadly addiction destroyed. There are thousands of Rays out there as we have decidedly lost to the opioid epidemic. God bless Ray and I believe he is sailing a beautiful ocean free from the bonds of his earthly prison. Incredible story, incredible film. Thank you for sharing.

[@bradpnw1897]

God bless you. Thank you for sharing about yourself I am an addict also and was addicted to heroin and Fentanyl for 22 years. I use methadone for 2 years to get me off the Fentanyl and now I am using sublocade to get me off the methadone and to get off everything. The worst thing about being addicted to opiates for me was being ostracized from society and not being able to work for so long and unlike alcohol which you can buy legally and nicotine and caffeine legally opiates you cannot buy legally so you are ostracized from society. That to me long-term was the worst part about being addicted to opiates was being ostracized completely from society and not being able to work for so long and having to buy opiates illegally on the street for an exorbitant amount. I hope you are doing good or better. I am in a really good place in a home that's paid off it's not mine but it's paid off and I'm going back to college and the people around me support me as long as I am clean and getting better I only have food stamps and go to the food bank but I am surviving and doing all right. I am also helping out at the place I stay and help clean up the place and keep it clean. I have done so much in my recovery that my mom put me as the executor of her trust. She told me she is thrilled with how good I'm doing not to me means everything and anybody else that thinks I need to do better or more right now can go pound sand as they have not been in my shoes. God bless you 🙏

[@ninaraupach1694]

Ware Worte

[@FiyamanDnB]

@@tderrenberger1 your words are perfectly put and I would say even profound for me on a personal level. Thanks for what you wrote

[@bufoalvarius323]

This comment sounds like chat gtp wrote it😂

[@alisonmercer5946]

​@@bradpnw1897 i effing hate that alcohol and cigs are legal but other drugs are not. Prohibtion doesn't work and they admitted ir with alcohol.. It makes life harder and more dangerous for addicts. I know some people think addicts deserve to die, but surely there must be enough people who dont want them to die? with the govs policies as they are the gov agrees that addicts should die.nobody can logically agree to alcohol being legal and other drugs not. Cause the hardest drug of all is alcohol. I wish i was technically and creatively skilled enough to make a bunch of ads for other drugs just like alcohol is marketed . That would be a fun project

[@laughingbuddhafilms]

I love that he got to experience his dream of sailing one last time! Well done, Michael. 🙏

[@melisawith1s640]

😢I was bawling, this was exceptional! When I run into homeless individuals the first thing I do is ask their name and shake their hand. I believe in kindness and respect.. a little humanity can save someone lives❤

[@theartofdocumentary]

@@melisawith1s640 We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@springrain9438]

​@@melisawith1s640wish there were more like you. Probably be a whole lot less of what this man struggled with. Peace and many blessings to you and yours..

[@NickC-t2y]

I have been sober for almost 18 months now. I have had temptations to go back out. Thank you for sharing this and putting yourself in harms way to share to others. This film has made me think twice about going back out again. Thank you so much. And God bless ray ❤

[@thefilmtRANscend]

Congrats on your sobriety. Thanks for watching the film.... almost everyone I filmed (this was in 2018) has since passed away. Do whatever you can to stay clean.

[@Princeofpeace-r9m]

Same off methadone 18 months

[@matthewmccollum9337]

give it some time, I promise it gets better....I did dope for 10+ yrs, got help, got cleaned up n never looking back...biggest thing is love yourself ....take care of your body

[@DumHeather]

I’ve been fighting for my sobriety for 4 years now and I’m failing thanks to zero resources in my area. This is a real disease that requires help and human connection to beat and unfortunately most places just don’t have anything like that these days. I’m angry and bitter and tired but I’m not giving up. I won’t be a sacrifice for their agenda. I’ve lost numerous family members, friends, and associates to this disease and most people I know have too. Young men are dropping dead daily around the country from this mental illness (addiction) and it’s sickening how little help and resources and empathetic attention is devoted to it. Basically none actually. Century old outdated book thumping g twelve step programs with abysmal success rates is the only option, free or otherwise anywhere near me. What a joke. I may be a nothing man to everyone else but my life matters to ME.

[@springrain9438]

​@@DumHeatherkeep that fight. I often wonder if those struggling with this knew it was an actual agenda would that be the fire they needed to fight back. I tell my son there are MANY traps set for him. Opiates are one of many. Keep fighting. You're right. You're important and your life does matter. God bless you. Peace and many blessings to you and yours.

[@FiyamanDnB]

As an ex and recovering heroin addict who also found my father face flat deceased from Fentanyl andwho has made a total transformation of my life im in tears as the documentary is ending. There's so much I can and want to say but this is all I have right now. This was extremely heavy for me but also beautifully done Michael whoever you are

[@theartofdocumentary]

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[@biggnacho6505]

*A MASTERPIECE OF A DOCUMENTARY !!! R.I.P RAY!!*

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching. please share with those who need to see it

[@V1ZNS.]

Incredible film. The story, the music, the cinematography, and totally immersed into Rays world...a masterpiece of a film.

[@AtortAerials]

It’s really intense and sad makes me hate heroin. Also this makes me never want to give anyone pan handling any money ever again sheesh smoking while shooting H into your veins drinking vodka straight so horrific.

[@mimz914]

This documentary has been tastefully depicted and really brings a sense of empathy and compassion. May he be at peace.

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching and your comments.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@tfuthought]

Rest in peace, Ray. My heart broke when you were walking past all those people asking them who was performing and nobody even wanted to answer you. You were a human and you deserved a better life.

[@jenniferdaulby5519]

Like he was invisible. 😢

[@mollycline5589]

Addicts are invisible. We pass them everyday in the street corner, we pass judgment, disgust, and distrust. Even when addicts get sober and rebuild their lives they are still judged and looked down upon and are never truly trusted by anyone. It’s a shame, and it is disgusting what the government and big pharmaceutical companies have done to our society.

[@rosettadelmonte5686]

Told without judgement showing the best and worst of the human experience. Bravo Michael. I stand amazed!

[@AtortAerials]

It’s amazing a gift you have telling a story like this visually. 🙏🏾

[@lucasbrugh]

I was looking forward to watching this for so long and it didn’t disappoint! This is a truly powerful story. I believe addiction and homelessness carries a lot of stigma to it and is often overlooked by “normal” people. I think this is a great film for someone to get an honest glimpse into a world most people don’t have an idea about. Thank you for providing an honest, respectful and unbiased film!

[@micheles2928]

What a powerful documentary and beautiful piece of art. I am in tears as I write this and will not forget it anytime soon. I will be more conscious of being kind to those who are struggling. I was especially saddened by the amount of people who simply ignored him when he was asking what concert was going on, as if he were invisible. RIP Ray, hope you are off somewhere sailing the seas in peace.

[@jenniferbryn]

What a beautiful portrait. Thank you for all the hearts that went into this movie.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@nando.carter]

Amazing film! This is the type of documentary that needs to be shared. I’m going to send this to my boss. I work as a peer support counselor helping the homeless meeting them where they are at. I witnessed how hard it is for them to get back on track with their recovery.

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you so much. We appreciate all the sharing we can get.

[@marleneRN]

God bless the women that checked if he was ok and the man that took him on a boat ride. Rest in gentle peace Ray ❤❤❤

[@Mischiefwith2BossLadies]

I've watched tons of these, and I've always just shaken my head in disbelief, but this is the first poignant one I've watched, and the ending broke me. What a beautifully told story

[@shelleys-dollys7092]

Remarkable story. The narrator did a great job staying in the background to tell Raymond’s story.❤

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@MichaelSteighner]

My eyes swelled up the minute this film began. About 1/3 the way through and that hasn't gone away. From a visual and audio experience, this is nothing short of amazing. Hard to imagine though that this is but one of many thousands of stories similar to his. This is going to be a tough one to finish watching. Brilliant work Michael! I hope this resonates with everyone who watches it, and helps a few people as well!!!

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@andersbonders]

So, so, so powerful. Humanizing, respectful, and gorgeous. It's cliche to say, but everyone needs to see this. It's world-view-shifting.

[@jimitrack300]

You have a bright future ahead of you Michael , so well filmed and post , sorry bout Raymond very sad

[@kristindanger6853]

My Husband and I have neen off the streets and in recovery for over 12 years and I can tell You it was not easy. We got ourselves out just before the fentanyl crisis what I believe would have been Our end. Life still has struggle and problems but far easier to handle and get through. I truly pray for ones out there because it looks like hell to Me now.

[@vincentkeller4725]

Prayers don't work, get to steppin😢

[@tat2steven810]

Looking at his face on the sailboat with the sun in the end....says it all!

[@paulfriedman]

This was hard to watch but I couldn't look away. His story is heart breaking and you told it beautifully.

[@lucialevy438]

So sad when he is asking who’s playing and he’s being ignored by the crowd. I think we all have seen or done that at some point. It was like holding a mirror to the audience, making us actually see Ray and feel for him. Also, loved how the movie ended. Beautiful. It felt like a deserved win after so much struggle. 👏👏👏

[@theartofdocumentary]

Well said. Thank you for watching. Please share with those who need to see it.

[@jackzakrajsek]

Thank you Michael for telling Ray's story. You did an absolute excellent job... RIP Raymond - from AOD Member Jack

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching Jack. Please share with those who need to see it.

[@lr2714]

Thank you ❤️

[@31kaydawg]

Very well told Michael. It's so amazing to get to learn from you and Mark with AOD. This is an eye-opening story and inspires me to captures stories at this level. Thank you for sharing and for all that you do!

[@jenna_jayy]

What a great film. I truly feel I was just walking with Ray the whole time he reminds me of a guy I used to know on the streets when I was an addict. Never thought about himself always cared for others to the point he would get taken advantage of. My friend died five years ago at a bus stop. I was clean for a year before I found out. It breaks my heart that I made it out alive and he suffered and he died and silence. Addiction won this battle with ray, rest easy.

[@edwinacaparelli9911]

Been in his shoes. Took 15 years of my life from age 16 to 30. Had a chance to get out when I became pregnant, never looked back. Rest peacefully Ray, on the sea ⛵.

[@cormaccanavan2903]

This movie is a pure work of art. The simplicity in telling rays story by capturing a brief chapter in his life. This was a good man. I know from experience, that quality is rare to find on the streets. Unfortunately, a good person will get taken advantage of more than a crazy angry lunatic. God speed Ray

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching. We're taking a grassroots approach and would love if you could share it with your family/friends.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@SkyJane24]

Agreed. From a former addict if 20yrs❤️‍🩹

[@selestewithans]

So heartbreaking 💔 my heart hurts for Ray . He was a good human being just a bit broken ! You were kind and smart and overall just a good gentle soul . I hope your sailing beautiful oceans ..no more hurt just Gods love and peace ❤

[@josephine6480]

1:19:00 this image fascinated me. It’s beautiful. I’m a realism / portrait artist and wanted to draw this for Ray before I came into the comments and saw that he is gone. This is heartbreaking. He had such a kind soul.

[@theartofdocumentary]

If you paint it we would love to add it on our Instagram page and give you credit. This is a great still.

[@josephine6480]

@@theartofdocumentary I would draw it with charcoal and graphite. I still may do it and will send it for you to see.

[@xMrPaintxx]

Rip Raymond, the struggle is over friend.

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching

[@650AFTERHOURSOC]

Wow! Overdosed in the tenderloin on fentanyl more times than 2 years than I did on heroin and almost 20...kicked 280 mg of methadone in county the months of my life... Almost died from seizures dehydration and hunger... I can relate!

[@robertlipiec1975]

I pray that Ray is sailing in the sky! 🙏

[@Asgoodasitgets_]

KZbin and its algorithm brought me here. Truly a work of film art, astonishing documentary. Thank you for showing the perspective we all never see-especially Rays story. Seemed like a very well hearted, funny guy. The opioid crisis is always talked about, but never have I seen it brought to the surface like this documentary.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@kimberlysmith7311]

First, I have been in recovery from opiate addiction for many years because I was blessed enough to get help. I so appreciate the Woman who asked him if he was okay when he was nodding out, amd also when I saw him sailing at the end in my hearts of hearts I was hoping that it reminded him of what life can be without drugs and soooo hope he gets clean. Every soul is worth saving. I myself am a miracle and guys we are all one and what affects one affects all. ❤😊

[@sarahlewis7213]

I am currently on suboxone am done taking narcotic pain medication am so happy now i feel better am so glad I asked for help too

[@kimberlysmith7311]

@@sarahlewis7213 Good So happy for you!! Suboxone really helped me too..stay on as long as you need A great book also that helped me is, " The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle..And ," The Untethered Soul" by Michelle Singer. Wish you the best 🙂💞💨

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@TrueNarrativePodcast]

Amazing documentary this definitely put some things in perspective. Your life isn’t as hard as you perceive it to be compared to others. Thank you for emailing about this documentary to watch. Ray’s journey is lesson for many with battle with addiction. R.I.P Ray his willingness to share his journey like this is selfless. Him getting to sail again he seemed to be so at peace and happy.

[@TL....]

addiction is the only prison where the key is inside

[@theartofdocumentary]

Well said. Thank you for watching. Please share with those who need to see it.

[@jonathan-biehl]

Powerful film that humanizes homelessness and challenges common perceptions. Kudos to Michael for immersing himself in such a different environment to tell this story with empathy and depth.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@DMWBN3]

Im from England, smokes H for 10 years, im 11 weeks clean today. Think im almost over all the ups and downs that addiction brings.

[@johnadamson2760]

what was key for getting clean?

[@Tmc513]

Good luck to ya

[@Tmc513]

I didn’t mean to sound glib… really, all good wishes to you

[@opiumdensRus]

All in all one of the best,honest, and relatable documentaries on heroin addiction to date. The tent life,panhandling,and owing dealers hundreds then giving up your entire welfare check to them each month.

[@theartofdocumentary]

well said. thanks for watching

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@Damon0mania]

Brutally beautiful. So glad I stumbled across this.

[@theartofdocumentary]

thank you for watching. please share

[@PaulYeghouchian]

beautiful and tragic all at the same time

[@GunnarKranenburg]

This work just feels like you’re being teleported into a different world watching it. Love it Michael, the best Cinema Vérité film I’ve ever seen.

[@michaelbaldwin5495]

My father was on the streets,some of my friends died on the streets from booze or heroin.I was dying from alcoholism but the courts sent me to AA stayed with it.Stayed sober,praying for those in the struggle for life.🙏

[@storyisgreater]

Incredible work Michael. An honor to view this film.

[@eleventhvision]

I've wanted to do a story like this in Winnipeg for years now, this makes me want to do it even more. SO well done. It is very sad but people NEED to see this. It gives perspective to all of us who have a home and family and a little money in the bank. Ray had next to nothing and was so happy and giving. I think society has fallen short in many ways when it comes to helping the homeless, and this paints that picture quite openly. Well done guys.

[@southphillylilly]

I think those of us that have little are often the ones who give the most

[@silviarodarte4828]

Sail away Ray.. I hope that you're at peace. Phenomenal documentary ❤

[@TristanProctor]

Phenomenal work Michael! It is amazing what can be created from stopping to have a conversation

[@NocturnalButterfly]

Thank you for giving us a glimpse into Ray’s life. I hope everyone finds peace.🙏💫💖🦋✨

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching

[@dietrikstein1871]

This documentary leaves me speechless. Brutal and honest. Rest in peace, Ray.

[@theartofdocumentary]

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[@johnadamson2760]

effortlessly stunning cinematography...

[@JordyX8]

Well, I cried for a man I never met. The last 10mins got me. I knew what was coming. So glad he got back on the water one last time. RIP Ray! 53 is too young!

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching. Please share with those who need to see it.

[@danmayers3023]

Wow, incredible story and a journey into Rays world. Leaves a new vision of the struggle people are in on the street. Very sad that there could not be a less predictable ending. So much to process, very powerful.

[@davidlundberg6498]

Incredible storytelling. Getting as close as possible to what it is like living on the street, living for the next hit. Without actually being a drug addict.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@filmboyben]

Rest Easy Ray

[@420beachlover]

Balled my eyes out seeing Ray sooo happy on that sailboat ⛵️ Bless your soul Ray ❤😢❤ I see what a beautiful man you really are ‼️❤️🙏❤️ I’m so sorry addiction got a hold of you 😭

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@braynjonathans5521]

The ending was so beautiful peaceful and calm. Great doc

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@materialwitness1388]

A sailor stuck on land.. Such nice people that invited him to sail with them on their boat. It was so nice to see him happy again. He just wanted companionship.

[@SamGhioto]

What a dream. This verité film touches some deep realm of what it means to be human. Wow.

[@bradpnw1897]

Opiate addiction for a lot of people is a living nightmare. And even when you get out of it trying to reconnect to the normal world and come back and be able to try and work and be a normal person can be a whole different kind of nightmare. I was addicted to heroin and Fentanyl for 22 years. I am putting my life back together a bit by bit and it is extremely hard extremely hard and I am trying to go back to school this quarter and that and having a place to stay is all I can do right now. I have to keep working on my physical and mental health. God bless you 🙏

[@Remykur]

​@@bradpnw1897Sme here ...U not alone

[@pauld9561]

I'm glad you captured the junkie hierarchy through Ray's ex-girlfriend and companion lecturing Ray's shortcomings so as to ignore their own. I say this with personal experience. Not vitriol. RIP Ray.

[@johnadamson2760]

WELL SAID

[@michaelbagsby5996]

this is me. different city, different faces and a different ending, but just the same in all ways. thank you!

[@StephanieMutsaerts]

Thank you for making this documentary.

[@aaronbondige]

Beautifully done! Depicting street life from a perspective only seen by being down there in it and the loneliness and disparities you have to deal with on the daily. Good job sir!❤

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching! We're taking a grassroots approach and would love if you could share it with your family/friends.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@LundiMcNamara]

Incredible. Speechless.

[@whitehorseproductions575]

Thank you so much for the incredible work you put into this film and for sharing it like this! I was especially touched by his conversation with his mother. It showed the broader impact his addiction had on his kids and grandkids. This film could easily save someone from going down this path, hopefully many people.

[@theartofdocumentary]

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[@KmvS86]

This is a very well shot and produced documentary. Keep up the great work.

[@vickiakascottswife1929]

I was really hoping it was going to have a happy ending. Addiction rarely does ....its hard to find hope...in a hopeless situation 😢

[@Milarniworld]

Wow what an amazing story,Thankyou Ray for sharing your life with us,such a beautiful soul,so glad u got to get on the boat again before your passing,I got major goosebumps at the end. RIP RAY 🙏❤️

[@johnadamson2760]

this is gut wrenching

[@rancholuna8076]

So sad. Thanks for telling Ray's story

[@tbcmediaca]

Beautifully constructed Michael. I've been waiting to see this since the AOD course and seeing the poster on the wall of your office. The lessons taught by you, Tad, Mark and the team became even more cohesive in mind as to the process of documenting as I watched through this. It is a unique experience having an understanding of both sides of the lens in this type of work and yet it was still immersive to be carried into Ray's story. Bravo! His memory and legacy will be carried through time thanks to your incredible work. Very inspirational from many perspectives.

[@daerganguy7504]

As an addict in active addiction. This is going to be my fate I feel. Powerful & intimately sad. Time to get back to treatment (again). Sigghh...

[@nicolefarquharson3731]

You can do it 🙏

[@DumHeather]

Me too brother, me too. Been in this crap over twenty years. Nonstop struggle. Nonstop crisis. Been fighting hard to beat it the past four years and I’m failing because I live in an area, like most areas, that inexplicably offers zero help or resources beyond century old outdated silly twelve step programs with their joke of an abysmal success rate. No wonder this disease is a death sentence for most. It’s obviously on purpose. Culling the herd. I believe that with every inch of my soul now. Blatantly obvious what’s going on here. Mostly young men dropping dead from despair daily. We used to die in war or out doing dangerous tasks and jobs for the community. Humans evolved to get rid of “excess” males and modernity has created a situation where our lovely governments must cull us in place of nature. Hang in there bro. It’s tough when you’re caught in the trap but we’ve got to fight.

[@linajams]

We can and we do recover.

[@vicki3671]

Up date, pls? You can do this!! ❤

[@Pecnluv]

My son has 140 days sober after 20 years active addiction. You can do it

[@wilfredferwerda780]

Thank you, Michael. And thank you, Ray. RIP.

[@zac.stevenson_]

Love your hard work on this one Michael. It is a really immersive film. It feels like we are also homeless - navigating the streets of Toronto.

[@CanadienNortherner]

RIP Ray . Condolences to his family and friends .

[@janaskibo871]

Rest in perfect peace Ray. Life is so damn hard.

[@amaarzafar]

Such a beautiful film Michael! I watched it the other night and loved it; I’ve been so inspired by the way you shot and told this story! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼

[@christianstopponi1755]

Watching this documentary was heart felt.......My son passed away November 23 of fentanyl poisoning in Vancouver BC. Please be reminded that more than 7000 people passed away in BC alone in 2023, 2024 will probably be more. Imagine all provinces combined. My condolences to all the family and friends from a father that understands the pain and grief of losing my own son.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We're so sorry for your loss. Most of the characters in this doc have passed away. Thank you for watching.

[@abdenacerbouafia4956]

Oh, Finally I can watch it. Thank you🙏.

[@rossbodenmann]

Beautiful and heartbreaking - well done Michael

[@scottsmokerx]

So glad to have finally been able to watch this-it didn’t disappoint. Growing up and living on the rez, I personally know many people that live like this. Incredible work, thank you

[@theartofdocumentary]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bradpnw1897]

God bless you and God bless those people living like that I was a former addict and I'm still climbing out of addiction after 22 years of being addicted to heroin. God bless any addict out there struggling trying to get clean. I still have a long way to go to try and regain and rejoin society but at least I haven't used heroin Fentanyl and over a year and a half. God bless you 🙏

[@bradpnw1897]

​@@theartofdocumentarymost people don't have the heart or the cojones to be able to tell a story like this especially the way you did. God bless you 🙏

[@officetechtyping]

I live on a Rez too.

[@chrislong7351]

Amazing documentary! Absolutely better than any Hollywood movie! Great job to all involved, and R.I.P. Ray! The pain and struggle is over!

[@ArturJakobik]

i hope we all will find our purpose in life.

[@hzzmozz]

Amazing film Michael, I have been wanting to view this for months now. So inspiring!

[@claremccormack2613]

May rays gentle soul rest in peace❤prayer s from 🇮🇪 ireland

[@linajams]

I'm beyond words, like the film it speaks for it self.

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching

[@jashibopo2275]

It leaves you with a lot of emotions and thoughts after watching it. 👍🏼👍🏼！！

[@mikestroud9969]

Guy had a good heart. Sad that folks get hooked on that stuff. We all make choices everyday. I got sober 34 years ago and counting Thanks goes to Jesus Christ ❤️🙏💯🇺🇲. Good video actually made this grown man tear up take care God bless you ❤️🙏💯

[@theartofdocumentary]

Thank you for watching

[@irate74]

Ray was really seeking a place of no pain. Glad he is trully at peace now.

[@johnniefinkley2766]

This film truly shows how addiction can not only destroy one's mind and body, but it also devours one's soul as well. I know this because it destroyed my family and has tried it's damnedest to destroy me! I've been clean for 12 years now. I'm so greatful for that EVERY DAY!!! But I also miss my mom, my dad and my brother..... EVERY DAY. I pray that they, along with Ray and everyone else this godawful disease has taken from us have finally found peace. 💕💕💕💕

[@johnadamson2760]

that's how i felt watching it.... his soul just decays but what i love about the ending is that it shows the soul is indestructible. it reminded me that no matter how gripped by drugs he was, something great was still buried inside

[@johnniefinkley2766]

@johnadamson2760 I agree. The ending was moving because even though the drugs had taken him through absolute hell, he still had hope . Also, I agree that the soul can be indestructible, but sometimes some of us have to fight like hell to hold on to it.

[@AgnetafromSweden23]

Wonderful documentary ❤❤

[@TZvideo507]

I'm looking forward to watching this tonight 👍

[@antonioaleophotography]

An incredible visual experience, I was looking forward to seeing it and enjoyed it to the end. It's crazy how you managed to narrate every detail, I'd love to see a behind-the-scenes look as well. Poor man, rest in peace Ray.

[@theartofdocumentary]

We really appreciate your comment! If you feel like sharing it on Instagram, it’d mean the world-it’ll help more people find the film! Just tag us @theartofdocumentary so we can reshare it. Thanks so much.

[@antonstarke]

Wow amazing film!

[@sethrotull222]

Beautiful doc work, cinema verite at its finest.

[@williamhernandez2223]

Awesome camera work and telling a story with only 1 camera. Gives the layman encouragement of what one can do with a camera and good audio. Great story! Way to knock it out of the park!

[@theartofdocumentary]

Couldn't agree more!