Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, The House I Live In Captures the Stories of Grieving Mothers, Dealers, Inmates and Federal Judges in the Case of America’s War on Drugs
Eugene Jarecki, Director & Producer, The House I Live In
(San Francisco, CA, Wednesday, April 3, 2013) – The war on drugs has resulted in more than 45 million arrests and one trillion dollars in government spending. The House I Live In investigates the shortcomings that have resulted from framing drug abuse as an issue for law enforcement, by recognizing drug abuse as a matter of public health. Jarecki explores the financial and political corruption that has fueled the war on drugs which has incarcerated 2.3 million men and women, establishing it as the largest prison-industrial system in the world. Instead of questioning a costly campaign, those in public office generally advocate for harsher penalties for drug offenses, to avoid being perceived as soft on crime.
The film distinguishes the war on drugs as a complete failure, as it is economically unsustainable and the cost of human lives and violence is unprecedented. The violence in Mexico provides a daily reminder of the war’s global impact as the United States has just begun to take the first steps toward reform. At this pivotal moment, The House I Live In promotes public awareness of the problem while encouraging new and innovative pathways to domestic drug policy reform.
The House I Live In is produced by Brad Pitt, Russell Simmons, John Legend and Danny Glover. Director Eugene Jarecki is an award-winning filmmaker, public thinker, and author. His recent film REAGAN, which examines the life and legacy of the 40th president, received wide critical acclaim after premiering at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and on HBO for the occasion of Reagan’s 100th birthday.
The House I Live In begins airing on Monday, April 8th on Independent Lens on PBS.