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Sir Richard Branson, LT. Gov. Gavin Newsom, and SF DA George Gascon to Discuss More Humane Approach to the Failed War on Drugs


Event will feature special screening of  Film ‘Breaking the Taboo’

CALIFORNIA–(ENEWSPF)–March 24, 2014.  Sundog Pictures announced it will be holding a special screening of its groundbreaking documentary “Breaking the Taboo,” about the failed war on drugs, in San Francisco. The screening will be held at 5.30pm on Tuesday, March 25at the New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street, San Francisco. 

The special screening will be followed by a panel discussion from 6.15 until 7pm about opportunities to help people convicted of drug offenses get back on the right path and reduce the burden that drug convictions place on American prison systems. The discussion will feature Virgin Founder Sir Richard Branson, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon, Laura Thomas of the Drug Policy Alliance and Dorsey Nunn, executive director of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.

Laura Thomas, Drug Policy Alliance deputy state director, said “We welcome Sir Richard Branson and this groundbreaking film to San Francisco. San Francisco has been a model for effective drug policies, such as those championed by District Attorney Gascon. We hope that this conversation helps move San Francisco and the state of California towards more humane and appropriate responses to drug use.”

Narrated by Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman, “Breaking the Taboo,” takes a critical look at how after 50 years of prohibition, illicit drugs are now the third most valuable industry in the world after food and oil. Speaking during the documentary former US President Bill Clinton says, “Obviously if the expected results were that we would eliminate serious drug use in America and eliminate the narco-trafficking networks, it hasn’t worked.”

“Breaking the Taboo” was filmed in 8 countries; conducted interviews with over 176 people; and has the support of 4 former Presidents & The Global Commission on Drug Policy.

The film calls for an honest and open debate about drug laws, encouraging viewers to break the taboo on a subject that has been ignored for too long.

“Breaking the Taboo” has also garnered the support of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson and Oscar winning actor Morgan Freeman, who have recorded viral announcements encouraging the public to “Break the Taboo” on the war on drugs. Virals can be viewed and the campaign followed on: #BreakTheTaboo. Follow @TabooBreakers #BreakTheTaboo #WaronDrugs

“Breaking the Taboo” is produced by Sam Branson’s indie Sundog Pictures and Brazilian co-production partner Spray Filmes and was directed by Cosmo Fielding Mellen and Fernando Grostein Andrade.

Source: www.drugpolicy.org

 

 


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