Ryan La Via: A Sobering Story

Director, co-producer, and co-writer Ryan La Via focuses on perhaps the most urgent issue of our time: substance use and addiction. It is a complex challenge facing every corner of our nation. A Sobering Story skillfully examines the subject as it is experienced in Thunder Bay by current and past substance users, doctors and specialists, other health-care providers, social workers, and police. It deepens the examination by including some families and partners as well. Questions are asked and then the camera watches quietly while their stories are revealed. Listen to their passionate and compassionate voices. With cinematography from some of our best local camera people and superb editing by Matt King, A Sobering Story is a fully engaging experience. There are real life stories here that will open your heart, break it, and offer some options for healing. High praise to La Via, his co-producer Ryan Hill, and their entire team. This is the finest documentary film to emerge from Northwestern Ontario.

-Michael Sobota

5/5