Heroin’s Grip

Heroin and opioid painkiller addiction rates have skyrocketed across America in recent years — the state of Pennsylvania alone reported more than 5,000 deaths from overdose in 2017. Heroin’s Grip, a documentary directed by Emmy-award winning producer Conrad Weaver, sheds a poignant and personal light on the ongoing national crisis. The film follows four families living in Frederick County, Maryland, whose lives have been permanently changed by addiction. The recently released film will screen at Pittsburgh’s Hollywood Theater for one night only, exploring the perspectives of both current and recovering users as well as those trying to support them. John Shinholser, president of the McShin Foundation, calls the film “the best, and I mean best, current film about opiate addiction and the family/community impact, but inclusive of authentic recovery.” A Q&A follows the screening.