Relapse is a short film that is based on true events of a rising football star, it is a raw portrayal of the constant struggles of drug and alcohol addiction and the fight addicts live with each and every day. It tells the story of two long time friends that battle to keep their friendship and deal with their constant struggle of addiction and features a special guest appearance by Steven "Steve-o Glover."

Q: How do you feel about your film screening at the 2009 International Beverly Hills Film Festival?
A: We are very excited to have our film not only screen at BHFF this year, but also be our debut festival.   This is the first festival that we submitted to once the film was finished. To get that personal call from festival president, Nino Simone was a great jump start and vote of confidence for our film.      

Q: Any interesting “behind the scenes” items you want to mention for viewers?
A: This film was mostly made with those that are currently in a substance abuse program.  People who have been there and are still dealing with this situation in real life every single day.  They live and breathe what they go through and the struggles, know the steps of the program, the statistics and the basics, such as the difference between a sponsor and a sponsee.   We didn’t want to Hollywood or sugarcoat it, it is a story that needs to be told and witnessed as if we (the audience) were right there with them.  

Q: Anything else you’d like to add about the film?
A: The creators, producers and also the two lead actors in this film, Vance Mitchell and Christian Ray, actually lived this story and that’s how it came about. They are very serious about how they look at drug and alcohol addiction and felt very strongly that this story should be made. I remember Vance saying this when he and Christian presented me the opportunity to direct this piece, he once said, “If wasn’t sober I would be in an alley dead right now and that’s why this story needs to be told.”   And from that point, “Relapse” the movie, began its journey! We were also very fortunate to get Stephen “Steve-o” Glover to be a part of this film.   I think the audience’s will be surprised at Steve-O’s performance in this film as it really does show a different side of him. He really is vulnerable in this role and does a terrific job. Also, want to add that the opening scene is a little unconventional as it’s what we like to call the “cocaine montage.”  If you watch carefully and along with wonderful orchestrated music, you will notice the different stages and forms of cocaine use.     

Q: Why do you think independent film is important?
A: It is absolutely important!  “Relapse” is a perfect example. This film is not for everybody nor will it be for every festival, but these films should be made and screened.  It is raw and in your face from beginning to end, but it’s real.  It sparks emotion and gives you awareness of what a lot of people out there are dealing with. Statistically, over 23 million Americans are currently dealing with drug addiction.  Independent films give you an opportunity to explore and even walk the line of unconventional film-making.   

Q: Why do you think the Beverly Hills Film Festival is important?
A: The Beverly Hills Film Festival is important because it’s in the pulse of the movie making city.  This city is where hopes and dreams are made and this festival gives opportunities to everyone internationally to share their work and talents with those people.    The festivals are dealing with and reconstructing the festival model due to the economic hardship in the country right now, but in fact this is where people want to escape.  For a few dollars you can come and enjoy a slot of films at BHFF and walk away with enlightenment and perhaps even see something different than you would normally see.