Appropriate for: Middle School High School College/University
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Saving Jackie
by Selena Burks-RentschlerA recovering drug addict struggles to develop healthy relationships with her adult daughters.
Watch TrailerSaving Jackie is a snapshot of a recovering addict’s attempt to strengthen her damaged relationship with her two estranged daughters. Jackie, single mother to Selena and Lorita, recovers from a 20-year crack cocaine addiction as her daughters transition into adulthood. Selena, the elder daughter, documents her and Lorita’s raw reconciliation process with their mother as it unfolds.
This powerful film captures the seductiveness of doing drugs, a lure so irresistible that basic instincts to nurture and protect one's children are discarded. The film also illustrates that life is precious even when it is imperfect.
Judith Harmony, Ph.D, Professor, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Retired
"Saving Jackie" presents, in a refreshingly genuine, real-life fashion, the struggles toward recovery of a family stricken with crack cocaine addiction. This film highlights the recovery needs of people who grow up in families with Chemical Dependency: it will serve as an effective tool for promoting discussions about relationship dynamics in families affected by addictions.
Robert Sauerland, PhD LISW-S LICDC
An intimate, insightful view of the destructive effects that drug addiction has on both individuals and families. The film shows how powerful drug addiction is, even to the extent that the addict chooses drugs over children, and where drugs overpower the natural instincts to care for one's own children.
Paul Samson, PhD, Rehabilitation Counseling
Ms. Burks' success as a student and filmmaker will inspire both teens and the foster parents who care for them. The film would provide an excellent focal point for a discussion with students, teachers, and caregivers.
Joanne Rentschler, Public Librarian & Collection Development Manager, Campbell County Public Library
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
Official Selection Sundance Film Festivial
Official Selection Palm Springs International Film Festical
Official Selection African American Film Market Place
Official Selection Cleveland International Film Festival
Official Selection Brooklyn International Film Festival
Official Selection Urbanworld Film Festival
Screened nationally on the Centric Network original show "Black Stories"
Resources to Download
Visit the official website for Saving Jackie

