Help us fight the stigma against addiction

FROM ARMY VETERAN < HEROIN ADDICT < ULTRA RUNNER

The incredible journey of hope, resilience, and faith.

Through the medium of independent film, we're asking for tax-deductible donations to support the RECOVER OUT LOUD movement that is spreading across America - which is dedicated to connecting the recovery community with the broader public.

At a time when addiction continues to be a pervasive issue globally, “My Brother’s Keeper” offers a raw, unfiltered look into the life of a family battling this disease. It challenges societal perceptions of addicts, urging viewers to see them as human beings with stories worth telling.

It takes a community to get through recovery, to re-build your life back and to make a film. We believe we are stronger together and we are here to build an audience to help share a story of one family's journey through addiction and recovery.

We’re halfway to funding our film — help us cross the finish line!

ABOUT THE FILM:

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER is an Independent Feature Film inspired by a true story of family, war, the battle against addiction, and the spiritual quest for redemption.

This film is inspired from my documentary, 100 Miles to Redemption, and our goal is to fight the stigma of addiction and inspire hope and strength to other families out there. Unfortunately everyone knows someone that has gone through or going through addiction. There’s a stigma that people feel ashamed and embarrassed to speak about it.

Through the medium of film, we show a family’s journey as they experience the direct effects of addiction and PTSD after their son enlists in the army and returns home from war - only to realize that the war within him has just begun. They must confront the hellish struggle of addiction & PTSD and find the spiritual power to rise above it all.

SYNOPSIS

When Shawn Livingston enlists in the Army to escape addiction, his family believes they’re giving him a second chance. But after returning home from Iraq, Shawn brings back more than they ever anticipated — PTSD, an opioid addiction fueled by military-prescribed painkillers, and a rage he can’t contain. The war didn’t end for Shawn. It just followed him home.

Told largely through the eyes of his younger sister Kelly, a sweet but increasingly traumatized teenager, the film is an intimate, emotionally charged journey that spans multiple years of this family’s unraveling. As Shawn’s inner demons grow louder, the Matanins walk the tightrope between unconditional love and survival — confronting relapses, disappearances, prison time, and moments of hope that are always just out of reach.

Their mother Marcia battles to hold the family together with fierce maternal loyalty, while Dave, Shawn’s stepfather, wrestles with how to protect both children from a storm he can’t control. And Kelly — who once saw her brother as a superhero — begins to break under the emotional weight of watching him turn into the villain.

As Shawn attempts to reclaim his life through a grueling 100-mile trail race, the irony unfolds: he must confront the very addiction that threatens to destroy him, all while striving to be the big brother Kelly desperately needs.

RECENT HIGLIGHTS

• Soft White Underbelly: (6.53M subscribers) - Shawn was recently featured on Soft White Underbelly, an American YouTube channel by Mark Laita that interviews "people who are frequently invisible in society—the unhoused, the sex worker, the chronic drug user, the runaway, the gang member, the poor and the sick”.

• Influencers attached: We are working with several influencers in the addiction recovery space and strategizing a social media marketing campaign that will reach an organic targeted audience to their +15M followers. This is HUGE for our marketing campaign once the film is finished.

• 100 Miles to Redemption: award-winning documentary100 Miles to Redemption (streaming on Amazon Prime)

Concept Trailer <> Pitch Video (click here)

“Addiction is America’s most neglected disease. Our goal with My Brother’s Keeper is to portray this battle with honesty, hope, and emotional depth. This isn’t just a film about drugs or war—it’s about family, healing, and what it takes to truly come home.”

Thank you for any support you can give. It goes further than you know.

If you’d like to be part of bringing this story to life, please reach out — we’d love to connect.

PITCH DECK, BUSINESS PLAN & SCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST:

Please email: andrew.shebay@gmail.com

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Donate through the mail:

Please make checks payable to "Creative Visions Foundation" and write "MY BROTHER'S KEEPER" and your email address in the memo.

Send to:

Creative Visions

c/o Grace Breuer

1047 Ford Drive

Nipomo, CA 93444

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Donate by Wire:

Email for wire instructions: andrew.shebay@gmail.com

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PRODUCER NOTE

The film “My Brother’s Keeper” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of addiction, family dynamics, and redemption. The narrative, based on a true story, delves into the life of combat veteran Shawn Livingston, a man grappling with substance use disorder and the repercussions of his past actions. The film’s thematic core revolves around the struggles of addiction, the impact on family, and the arduous journey towards recovery and self-discovery.

This project is of paramount importance due to its artistic value and emotional resonance. At a time when addiction continues to be a pervasive issue globally, “My Brother’s Keeper” offers a raw, unfiltered look into the life of someone battling this disease. It challenges societal perceptions of addicts, urging viewers to see them as human beings with stories worth telling. The film’s emotional depth is designed to evoke empathy and understanding, potentially sparking conversations about addiction and mental health.

The genre of “My Brother’s Keeper” can be classified as a drama with elements of a biographical narrative. It aligns with films like “Beautiful Boy” and “Ben is Back,” which also tackle themes of addiction and personal struggle. The film’s tone is gritty yet hopeful, capturing the harsh realities of addiction while offering a glimmer of redemption and hope.

The target audience for this film includes adults and young adults who are interested in socially relevant narratives. It is particularly suitable for viewers who appreciate character-driven stories that explore complex emotional landscapes. The film’s authenticity and relatability make it an appealing choice for audiences who seek meaningful cinematic experiences.

In terms of distribution, “My Brother’s Keeper” has the potential for both traditional cinema releases and digital streaming platforms (VOD). Its compelling narrative and universal themes make it a strong contender for film festivals, where it can gain critical acclaim and reach a broader audience. The film’s international appeal lies in its universal message of hope and redemption, transcending cultural boundaries.

The envisaged budget for the film is moderate, aligning with its production strategy and artistic ambitions. The focus is on creating an authentic and impactful narrative without excessive reliance on high-budget special effects. The film’s strength lies in its storytelling and character development, which are achievable within the proposed budget.

“My Brother’s Keeper” is a timely and necessary film that addresses critical social issues with sensitivity and depth. Its potential to resonate with audiences worldwide, coupled with its artistic integrity, makes it a valuable addition to the cinematic landscape. The film not only entertains but also educates and inspires, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

- Andrew Shebay, writer/director/producer

📸 VISUAL DIRECTION

We're developing a Pipeline Films branded film that blends the intimacy of indie cinema with the cinematic weight of prestige dramas like Manchester by the Sea and The Wrestler. Expect moody, naturalistic cinematography, textured production design, and a deeply human tone.