A Film Ethnography on Subutex Use Pekka Hakkarainen Nordic Alcohol and Drug Researchers’ Assembly Grand Hotel Reykjavik August 23 rd – August 25 th 2010

Film A unique documentary describing the life of young problem drug users in the Northern Finland Based on insider’s perspective and participant observation ’Field notes’ = around 150 hours of raw material The film = 84 minutes A story of Jani, 19 years old Subutex addict from Rovaniemi, the biggest city in the Nothern Finland, with inhabitants

Director: Joonas Neuvonen When started to film in 2003, 22 years, unemployed, penniless drug user (almost on daily base) with middle-class background A member of the user group Later: studied film making one year in India Aim: To show the life of a drug user as it is, without any teaching or taking a stance for or against drug use

Buprenorphine (Subutex) in Finland Substitution treatment in private practice in 1990s, from 1997 onwards also in public sector (more in NAT 3-4/2005) Most used substance among the opioid users in Finland from 2002 onwards In 2005, – users Among treatment population: in 2008 buprenorphine was the primary substance in use for 34% of patients (share of heroin only 2%) The overpowering position of buprenorphine (Subutex) is a distinguishing and internationally unique feature in Finnish opiate scene

Reception of the film Film Control Board: (1) too positive picture, age-limit 18 years; (2) too oppressive, 18 years Producer: works as drug education, 15 years Salasuo & Hakkarainen, supporting 15 years Supreme Administrative Court: 18 years A lot of attention in newspapers, magazines and TV In theatre: nearly spectators in 2 months Drug addicts: made us visible International premiere: Winner of the Grand Prize of the Critics week 2010, Locarno festival, Switzerland

NOW YOU: PLEASE ENJOY!!!