Films

What happens when someone close to you starts abusing drugs? 

At first, you may not notice anything. But slowly, suspicions arise. From missed moments to unexplained tempers, the pain of watching someone slip away comes creeping in. 

That’s how those closest to Ryan, the protagonist of this year’s Drug Victims Remembrance Day film, felt. Though they sensed it might be drugs, sometimes it was hard to say anything. Hard to bring it up. 

Their stories highlight not just the personal hurt they endure, but also the profound impact such circumstances have on relationships. 

A love story, unfinished

Jasmine remembers the old Ryan, the one she loved. The plans they had, the promises he made, the future they had imagined together. As Ryan grew more distant, Jasmine was left hurt and questioning what had happened to the person she once loved and trusted.

A mother's story, unfinished

At home, the quiet feels louder now. Ryan’s mum still makes his favourite meals. Still sets him a place at the table. Still hopes her only son will come back to her. What hurts most is the silence — and the words she never found the courage to say. 

A best friend's story, unfinished

Luke and Ryan had been close since childhood, spending much of their time together, especially on the football field. Over time, Luke began to notice changes in Ryan, in the way he spoke, behaved, and pulled away from the people around him. For Luke, the hardest part was not only seeing his best friend change, but not knowing how to reach him before it was too late.