A Film Ethnography on Subutex UsePekka Hakkarainen

Nordic Alcohol and Drug Researchers’ AssemblyGrand Hotel Reykjavik

August 23rd – August 25th 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 60.000 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, 3.700 – 4.900 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 60.000 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!!!