"It is difficult to understand what you can’t see. “We Can Be Heroes” brings the secret struggle of addiction into the light, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be a more informed supporter for a friend or loved one dealing with this challenge.”
—JIM ANANICH, Michigan State Senate Minority Leader/Chair of Michigan Opioid Task Force
"It is difficult to understand what you can’t see. “We Can Be Heroes” brings the secret struggle of addiction into the light, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be a more informed supporter for a friend or loved one dealing with this challenge.”
—JIM ANANICH, Michigan State Senate Minority Leader/Chair of Michigan Opioid Task Force
Social Impact Film Screenings
WE CAN BE HEROES social impact film screenings stimulate dialogue and understanding around substance use disorder. Our film screening and talk-back packages educate about de-stigmatizing drug addiction; helping to reframe how we think, talk, and act around the disorder and those affected by it.
Designed for large-scale events, or intimate settings—WE CAN BE HEROES screenings are a powerful tool for any community or organization—from college campuses to high schools, hospitals, recovery and community centers.
Until the stigma of addiction is removed those who need help are less likely to seek it…
and those who can help are less able to offer it.
“Far too often, shame and stigma fuel addiction and prevent treatment. By replacing judgment with compassion we can save lives.”
—Nora Volkow, Head of the National Institute of Drug Abuse
The Film
WE CAN BE HEROES follows Detroit boxer, Taylor “Machine Gun Duerr” in the fight of his life both inside and outside the ring—training for the WBAC Cruiserweight title and battling the demons of addiction. “I’ve already been dead, what are you gonna do to me?” —Taylor Duerr
“ An incredible film. Not only a fantastic sports story, but a deeply human and telling expose on the tragedy and complexity of addiction.”
-Karen Wise, SVP of International Documentaries, Rainmaker Content
Watch the trailer below:
Film screening, Talk back and Dialogue Events
WE CAN BE HEROES events use the film to launch discussion around the complexities of addiction with a mission to replace stigma with understanding and compassion. Packages are customized to fit the specific needs of any organization looking to better understand substance use disorder and what can be done to battle this insidious disease.
With screenings across the country—people respond to the power of Taylor’s story:
“The We can be Heroes art show and film allows viewers to experience addiction through a different lens, a lens of hope and understanding that allows an audience to empathize with the pain look beyond the stigma. I hope countless people are given the chance to experience this event.”
-Jessica, A person in long-time recovery
“Watching Taylor on give his all on the screen, while struggling with the demons of addiction gave me incredible perspective on how little I know, and how much I have to learn about addiction.”
- FERRIS STATE STUDENT REVIEW
Friends Of The Film
Executive Produced by Peter Berg, and the 4th feature documentary by Mike Ramsdell – WE CAN BE HEROES, and its accompanying anti-stigma campaign has screened to packed houses across America. Guests and partners thus far include:
Nora Volkow - Head of the National Institute of Drug Addiction
Wayne State Medical School
Fred Blow – Dean at the University of Michigan, Addiction and Treatment Program
AMTRAK
Bobby Mukkumula - Chair of the American Medical Association Task Force on Opioid Prescriptions
Families Against Narcotics
