The Wyoming Humanities Council welcomes Wyoming citizens to participate in a new film discussion series, Faces of Addiction. This free, four-part series will allow people to explore, through the lens of Hollywood film, various aspects of addiction. Held in three Wyoming communities in the fall of 2010, the series will include four films, “Enron; The Smartest Guys in the Room” (not rated, 2005), “Blow,” (rated R, 2001), “Maxed Out,” (not rated, 2006), and “My name is Bill W.” (not rated, 1989). The first three films examine types of addiction including addiction to financial risk and trading on Wall Street, drugs, and consumerism, all from different perspectives. The final film in the series, “My name is Bill W.,” explores recovery from addiction. Following each film, participants will discuss how the media and society influence and portray our views and abilities to cope with and respond to addiction. A free, light meal will be provided prior to each session. Following each film, a discussion will be led by a humanities scholar and a health or social services professional.
The series provides excellent opportunities for reflection and discussion about topics that affect Wyoming communities. The film events will convene community members for balanced, respectful conversation and lively discussions about relevant Wyoming issues.
The series in Lusk will be held on Wednesday, September 15, October 13, November 10 and December 8 at 6 p.m. at the Niobrara County Library with Deane Tucker, humanities scholar and Richard (Rick) Patterson, health services professional. Contact the library at 334-3490 or Debbie Sturman for more information locally. The schedule also includes the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne and the Campbell County Library in Gillette.
The Faces of Addiction film series is sponsored by the Wyoming Humanities Council in partnership with the Wyoming Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and in cooperation with the University of Wyoming Counselor Education Department. The program is funded in part by the We the People initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. More information about the film discussion series and about other programs of the Wyoming Humanities Council, is available at http://www.uwyo.edu/humanities/.