In 1970, community activists in NYC were fed up with the city’s lack of response to the growing heroin epidemic. So, with help from the Black Panthers and Young Lords, they came up with their own solution—the Lincoln Detox clinic. Radical politics were at the core of the organization, but first and foremost it offered local folks a safe place to detoxify and work together in outpatient programs. Under the eventual leadership of Dr. Mutulu Shakur (stepfather of Tupac Shakur), the Lincoln clinic grew to embrace the practice of acupuncture as a major part of its grassroots, community-based approach to addiction treatment. Extensive archival footage, deftly presented by filmmaker Mia Donovan, shows how the effects of the organization’s radical approach to health are still felt today. Donovan and the subjects of her film demonstrate how activism and healthcare can intersect, in collective healing. -CP
Curated by our community partner, Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU).
Dope is Death recently had its World Premiere at the 2020 True/False Festival.
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2020
- Runtime78 minutes
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorMia Donovan
In 1970, community activists in NYC were fed up with the city’s lack of response to the growing heroin epidemic. So, with help from the Black Panthers and Young Lords, they came up with their own solution—the Lincoln Detox clinic. Radical politics were at the core of the organization, but first and foremost it offered local folks a safe place to detoxify and work together in outpatient programs. Under the eventual leadership of Dr. Mutulu Shakur (stepfather of Tupac Shakur), the Lincoln clinic grew to embrace the practice of acupuncture as a major part of its grassroots, community-based approach to addiction treatment. Extensive archival footage, deftly presented by filmmaker Mia Donovan, shows how the effects of the organization’s radical approach to health are still felt today. Donovan and the subjects of her film demonstrate how activism and healthcare can intersect, in collective healing. -CP
Curated by our community partner, Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU).
Dope is Death recently had its World Premiere at the 2020 True/False Festival.
Did you enjoy this film? Have any comments or questions? You can send filmmakers your feedback by leaving them a written or video note at feedback@doxafestival.ca.
- Year2020
- Runtime78 minutes
- CountryUnited States
- DirectorMia Donovan