WE CAN BE HEROS

Social impact film screenings stimulate dialogue and understanding around substance use disorder. Our film screening and talk-back packages educate about de-stigmatizing drug addiction; helping to reframe how we think, talk, and act around the disorder and those affected by it. 

Taylor Duerr
An incredible film. Not only a fantastic sports story, but a deeply human and telling expose on the tragedy and complexity of addiction.”
— KAREN WISE, SVP OF INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES
Far too often, shame and stigma fuel addiction and prevent treatment. By replacing judgment with compassion we can save lives.
— NORA VOLKOW, HEAD OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DRUG ABUSE

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Social Impact Film Screenings

WE CAN BE HEROES social impact film screenings stimulate dialogue and understanding around substance use disorder. Our film screening and talk-back packages educate about de-stigmatizing drug addiction; helping to reframe how we think, talk, and act around the disorder and those affected by it. 

Designed for large-scale events, or intimate settings—WE CAN BE HEROES screenings are a powerful tool for any community or organization—from college campuses to high schools, hospitals, recovery, and community centers.  

Until the stigma of addiction is removed those who need help are less likely to seek it… and those who can help are less able to offer it. 

Mike Ramsdell and Taylor Duerr on stage discussing their part in we can be heros

The Film

WE CAN BE HEROES follows Detroit boxer, Taylor “Machine Gun Duerr” in the fight of his life both inside and outside the ring—training for the WBAC Cruiserweight title and battling the demons of addiction.

I’ve already been dead, what are you gonna do to me?
— TAYLOR DUERR
It is difficult to understand what you can’t see. “We Can Be Heroes” brings the secret struggle of addiction into the light, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be a more informed supporter for a friend or loved one dealing with this challenge.
— JIM ANANICH, MICHIGAN STATE SENATE MINORITY LEADER / CHAIR OF MICHIGAN OPIOID TASK FORCE
The Capitol theater showing We Can Be Heroes

Talk Back and Dialogue Event

WE CAN BE HEROES events use the film to launch discussion around the complexities of addiction with a mission to replace stigma with understanding and compassion.  Packages are customized to fit the specific needs of any organization looking to better understand substance use disorder and what can be done to battle this insidious disease. 

Taylor Duerr on stage and on the microphone in their talk about and dialogue event

With screenings across the country - people respond to the power of Taylor’s story

The We Can Be Heroes art show and film allows viewers to experience addiction through a different lens, a lens of hope and understanding that allows an audience to empathize with the pain and look beyond the stigma. I hope countless people are given the chance to experience this event.
— JESSICA, A PERSON IN LONG TIME RECOVERY
Watching Taylor on give his all on the screen, while struggling with the demons of addiction gave me incredible perspective on how little I know, and how much I have to learn about addiction.”
— FERRIS STATE STUDENT
Addiction doesn’t just impact the homeless and celebrities. It affects all members of a community. Stigma is the number one obstacle we face in treating this epidemic. By breaking down the walls of stigma through community dialogue, we know that those who need help are more likely to seek it, and those who can help are more likely to offer it
— MIKE RAMSDELL

Friends Of The Film

Executive Produced by Peter Berg, and the 4th feature documentary by Mike Ramsdell –  WE CAN BE HEROES, and its accompanying anti-stigma campaign has screened to packed houses across America.

Guests and Partners Thus Far Include:

  • Nora Volkow - Head of the National Institute of Drug Addiction

  • Wayne State Medical School


  • Fred Blow – Dean at the University of Michigan, Addiction and

  • Treatment Program


  • AMTRAK


  • Bobby Mukkumula - Chair of the American Medical Association

  • 
Task Force on Opioid Prescriptions


  • Families Against Narcotics

AMA Logo
Wayne State University Logo
Families Against Narcotics Logo
Amtrak logo
Michigan Medicine Addiction Center logo
National Institute on Drug Abuse logo

De-stigmatizing drug addiction; helping to reframe how we think, talk, and act around the disorder and those affected by it. 

Taylor Duerr and Daughter on the beach flexing