@@TikuVsTaku Joking aside , i 100% agree . I have Autism and it makes me more thoughtful than most people , but i often think being super thoughtful towards anyone just regularly shows you how so many other people are so selfish and incapable of thinking of others . my thoughtful mind is a part of my autism i am proud of but everything has a different perspective and it makes me so vulnerable in relationships that I have had to give up on the dream i will ever find someone genuine . Being caring makes people use me without me seeing it over and over . I have noticed people changing and now just holding a door open for a woman doesn't even get a thanks .
He was such a good soul, just lost in the addiction. This was a beautiful documentary. What a wonderful man to take him on that boat ride before he died. I wish there was a way more people could see this. I feel that they would second guess sticking a needle in their arm. RIP Ray
😢I was bawling, this was exceptional! When I run into homeless individuals the first thing I do is ask their name and shake their hand. I believe in kindness and respect.. a little humanity can save someone lives❤
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@@melisawith1s640wish there were more like you. Probably be a whole lot less of what this man struggled with. Peace and many blessings to you and yours..
As a former addict (never homeless) I was able to connect immediately with Ray’s plight. This film shows the strength of the human spirit regardless of the situation. Ray was an intelligent, hard working and resourceful fellow. You were able to show his perseverance for life even though his addiction had taken what we would consider a normal life away. Imagine having to do what Ray did daily for survival. Not many of us would last long. I read your initial email about this film and found that Ray had passed away this summer. I was in tears. This film moved me greatly. What you did to film this with virtually next to nothing but a single camera and lens is incredible. You captured the essence of a human with dreams and aspirations that sadly addiction destroyed. There are thousands of Rays out there as we have decidedly lost to the opioid epidemic. God bless Ray and I believe he is sailing a beautiful ocean free from the bonds of his earthly prison. Incredible story, incredible film. Thank you for sharing.
God bless you. Thank you for sharing about yourself I am an addict also and was addicted to heroin and Fentanyl for 22 years. I use methadone for 2 years to get me off the Fentanyl and now I am using sublocade to get me off the methadone and to get off everything. The worst thing about being addicted to opiates for me was being ostracized from society and not being able to work for so long and unlike alcohol which you can buy legally and nicotine and caffeine legally opiates you cannot buy legally so you are ostracized from society. That to me long-term was the worst part about being addicted to opiates was being ostracized completely from society and not being able to work for so long and having to buy opiates illegally on the street for an exorbitant amount. I hope you are doing good or better. I am in a really good place in a home that's paid off it's not mine but it's paid off and I'm going back to college and the people around me support me as long as I am clean and getting better I only have food stamps and go to the food bank but I am surviving and doing all right. I am also helping out at the place I stay and help clean up the place and keep it clean. I have done so much in my recovery that my mom put me as the executor of her trust. She told me she is thrilled with how good I'm doing not to me means everything and anybody else that thinks I need to do better or more right now can go pound sand as they have not been in my shoes. God bless you 🙏
@@bradpnw1897 i effing hate that alcohol and cigs are legal but other drugs are not. Prohibtion doesn't work and they admitted ir with alcohol.. It makes life harder and more dangerous for addicts. I know some people think addicts deserve to die, but surely there must be enough people who dont want them to die? with the govs policies as they are the gov agrees that addicts should die.nobody can logically agree to alcohol being legal and other drugs not. Cause the hardest drug of all is alcohol. I wish i was technically and creatively skilled enough to make a bunch of ads for other drugs just like alcohol is marketed . That would be a fun project
See how happy he was on that sail boat, i had tear come down, man didn't memtion drugs nor looked like he needed them whole time on that boat! Bless your soul & know you were loved
As an ex and recovering heroin addict who also found my father face flat deceased from Fentanyl andwho has made a total transformation of my life im in tears as the documentary is ending. There's so much I can and want to say but this is all I have right now. This was extremely heavy for me but also beautifully done Michael whoever you are
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It’s really intense and sad makes me hate heroin. Also this makes me never want to give anyone pan handling any money ever again sheesh smoking while shooting H into your veins drinking vodka straight so horrific.
I was looking forward to watching this for so long and it didn’t disappoint! This is a truly powerful story. I believe addiction and homelessness carries a lot of stigma to it and is often overlooked by “normal” people. I think this is a great film for someone to get an honest glimpse into a world most people don’t have an idea about. Thank you for providing an honest, respectful and unbiased film!
My eyes swelled up the minute this film began. About 1/3 the way through and that hasn't gone away. From a visual and audio experience, this is nothing short of amazing. Hard to imagine though that this is but one of many thousands of stories similar to his. This is going to be a tough one to finish watching. Brilliant work Michael! I hope this resonates with everyone who watches it, and helps a few people as well!!!
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My Husband and I have neen off the streets and in recovery for over 12 years and I can tell You it was not easy. We got ourselves out just before the fentanyl crisis what I believe would have been Our end. Life still has struggle and problems but far easier to handle and get through. I truly pray for ones out there because it looks like hell to Me now.
What a powerful documentary and beautiful piece of art. I am in tears as I write this and will not forget it anytime soon. I will be more conscious of being kind to those who are struggling. I was especially saddened by the amount of people who simply ignored him when he was asking what concert was going on, as if he were invisible. RIP Ray, hope you are off somewhere sailing the seas in peace.
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I have been sober for almost 18 months now. I have had temptations to go back out. Thank you for sharing this and putting yourself in harms way to share to others. This film has made me think twice about going back out again. Thank you so much. And God bless ray ❤
Congrats on your sobriety. Thanks for watching the film.... almost everyone I filmed (this was in 2018) has since passed away. Do whatever you can to stay clean.
give it some time, I promise it gets better....I did dope for 10+ yrs, got help, got cleaned up n never looking back...biggest thing is love yourself ....take care of your body
I’ve been fighting for my sobriety for 4 years now and I’m failing thanks to zero resources in my area. This is a real disease that requires help and human connection to beat and unfortunately most places just don’t have anything like that these days. I’m angry and bitter and tired but I’m not giving up. I won’t be a sacrifice for their agenda. I’ve lost numerous family members, friends, and associates to this disease and most people I know have too. Young men are dropping dead daily around the country from this mental illness (addiction) and it’s sickening how little help and resources and empathetic attention is devoted to it. Basically none actually. Century old outdated book thumping g twelve step programs with abysmal success rates is the only option, free or otherwise anywhere near me. What a joke. I may be a nothing man to everyone else but my life matters to ME.
@@DumHeatherkeep that fight. I often wonder if those struggling with this knew it was an actual agenda would that be the fire they needed to fight back. I tell my son there are MANY traps set for him. Opiates are one of many. Keep fighting. You're right. You're important and your life does matter. God bless you. Peace and many blessings to you and yours.
Rest in peace, Ray. My heart broke when you were walking past all those people asking them who was performing and nobody even wanted to answer you. You were a human and you deserved a better life.
Addicts are invisible. We pass them everyday in the street corner, we pass judgment, disgust, and distrust. Even when addicts get sober and rebuild their lives they are still judged and looked down upon and are never truly trusted by anyone. It’s a shame, and it is disgusting what the government and big pharmaceutical companies have done to our society.
Have you ever been attacked by a homeless person when you engaged with them? It's happened twice to me and that's why I stopped trying to talk to them or help them. Engage with crazy and they will hyper focus on you.
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Thank you for this documentary it was very touching to me , my sister died of a drug overdose plus she was living in Toronto like ray . Thank you again for this documentary I was crying like a baby , it would be great if they showed this in high schools . Much love from Winnipeg Manitoba ❤🇨🇦
Thank you Michael Del Monte. I met you briefly at Ray's Memorial gathering earlier this year. Raymond was a very good friend of mine growing up and whom I reconnected with for a short period when he lived on his sailboat. You told his story and the story of addiction beautifully and the real life consequences of those choices. He leaves behind family and friends who loved him dearly and wish he had made better choices. Your work is incredible, and I'm glad you stopped that day to get to know him. ❤
"Just make better choices, addicts" You're making it sound as if addiction is completely voluntary. Even though addiction is as "voluntary" as someone overcome with thirst drinking any water that they can find: from a puddle, from a toilet bowl. Yes using _is_ a choice but it's a severely compromised choice. Please get yourself educated on the disease of addiction.
Very true about addiction. Lots of people addicted to opiates didn't choose to become addicted to opiates. I went through eight surgeries over the course of two years and became dependent upon oxycontin and then after my surgeries were over the doctors just took it away without weaning me off of it properly. That's when I went to heroine as there was nothing else no one knew about kratom as this was early 2002. 20 years later and I am still dealing with the consequences of addiction and just trying to get my life in order and I live near Seattle where everybody is Rich and everybody has money and it is insanely expensive and so just getting by is very very hard and it is all I can do to just keep going. Thank God I got sublocade. That has freed me immensely from having to use illegal drugs as I haven't used any heroin and Fentanyl in almost 2 years. But I am weaning off the sublocade which is fun enough in itself add hard to do anything else I am trying to go back to college this next quarter and I am looking forward to that as I have nothing else besides food stamps. Oxycontin and snared so many people when they shouldn't have ever been given opiates like that at such a high dose especially in the early 2000s it is killed so so many and led so many to heroin and opioid addiction. Even a lot of people that got off oxycontin are now on methadone or Suboxone for potentially the rest of their lives or for many many years even if they detox it takes some years to get off and years to feel decent again. Addiction is a disease. Full stop point blank. The worst thing about being addicted to heroin was that it cut me off from society for so many years and I wasn't able to work or function in society so trying to get back to being a quote normal person is incredibly hard. that was the worst thing that being addicted to opiates ever did to me was it cut me off from normal society whereas if you're addicted to alcohol nicotine or caffeine you can be in normal society and still buy your drugs completely legal and not have to be cut off and ostracized from society. I go to a church group and there are lots of people there that are dealing with alcohol issues but they can work as they can buy alcohol legally for cheap and as long as they don't get too drunk at work they can still work no problem. Where as you cannot do that with opiates. Like Ray I was a person that was in the fire department I had a career I was going to college I was building a career in life for myself before I needed eight surgeries because my jaw bones were literally falling apart because of bad genetics. Opiate addiction is a very cruel and insidious disease. God bless
@@eustab.anas-mann9510 But the thing is, everyone KNOWS these drugs are addictive, so why even do them the first time? That's the part where it absolutely is a choice. Nothing about that life is appealing.
Amazing film! This is the type of documentary that needs to be shared. I’m going to send this to my boss. I work as a peer support counselor helping the homeless meeting them where they are at. I witnessed how hard it is for them to get back on track with their recovery.
Thank you, Michael. Rest in everlasting peace, Ray. ⛵️🙏🏼 This film is profound and moving. One of the best I’ve seen. As a person whose life has been impacted due to addiction;(family, friends and, eventually, my own) …well, I thank you. I can’t type more for the tears…it’s all been said very eloquently in the comments. This was outstanding. Thank you. Blessings to all. 🙏🏼🕊❤️🇺🇸🇨🇦❤️
My father was on the streets,some of my friends died on the streets from booze or heroin.I was dying from alcoholism but the courts sent me to AA stayed with it.Stayed sober,praying for those in the struggle for life.🙏
Well, I cried for a man I never met. The last 10mins got me. I knew what was coming. So glad he got back on the water one last time. RIP Ray! 53 is too young!
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Watching this documentary was heart felt.......My son passed away November 23 of fentanyl poisoning in Vancouver BC. Please be reminded that more than 7000 people passed away in BC alone in 2023, 2024 will probably be more. Imagine all provinces combined. My condolences to all the family and friends from a father that understands the pain and grief of losing my own son.
Wish our rich nation could find better solutions to stop fentanyl in Canada , sorry about your son passing , that is heartbreaking to hear I see so many more homeless people everywhere in edmonton each day my home city, I cant imagine Vancouver anymore as last time I lived in Burnaby was 2009 and I thought things were getting worse . Please find a way to see brightness even in dark times , sorry Christian. ❤
Been in his shoes. Took 15 years of my life from age 16 to 30. Had a chance to get out when I became pregnant, never looked back. Rest peacefully Ray, on the sea ⛵.
RUclips and its algorithm brought me here. Truly a work of film art, astonishing documentary. Thank you for showing the perspective we all never see-especially Rays story. Seemed like a very well hearted, funny guy. The opioid crisis is always talked about, but never have I seen it brought to the surface like this documentary.
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What a great film. I truly feel I was just walking with Ray the whole time he reminds me of a guy I used to know on the streets when I was an addict. Never thought about himself always cared for others to the point he would get taken advantage of. My friend died five years ago at a bus stop. I was clean for a year before I found out. It breaks my heart that I made it out alive and he suffered and he died and silence. Addiction won this battle with ray, rest easy.
First, I have been in recovery from opiate addiction for many years because I was blessed enough to get help. I so appreciate the Woman who asked him if he was okay when he was nodding out, amd also when I saw him sailing at the end in my hearts of hearts I was hoping that it reminded him of what life can be without drugs and soooo hope he gets clean. Every soul is worth saving. I myself am a miracle and guys we are all one and what affects one affects all. ❤😊
@@sarahlewis7213 Good So happy for you!! Suboxone really helped me too..stay on as long as you need A great book also that helped me is, " The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle..And ," The Untethered Soul" by Michelle Singer. Wish you the best 🙂💞💨
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All in all one of the best,honest, and relatable documentaries on heroin addiction to date. The tent life,panhandling,and owing dealers hundreds then giving up your entire welfare check to them each month.
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1:19:00 this image fascinated me. It’s beautiful. I’m a realism / portrait artist and wanted to draw this for Ray before I came into the comments and saw that he is gone. This is heartbreaking. He had such a kind soul.
So sad when he is asking who’s playing and he’s being ignored by the crowd. I think we all have seen or done that at some point. It was like holding a mirror to the audience, making us actually see Ray and feel for him. Also, loved how the movie ended. Beautiful. It felt like a deserved win after so much struggle. 👏👏👏
This movie is a pure work of art. The simplicity in telling rays story by capturing a brief chapter in his life. This was a good man. I know from experience, that quality is rare to find on the streets. Unfortunately, a good person will get taken advantage of more than a crazy angry lunatic. God speed Ray
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Powerful film that humanizes homelessness and challenges common perceptions. Kudos to Michael for immersing himself in such a different environment to tell this story with empathy and depth.
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I'm glad you captured the junkie hierarchy through Ray's ex-girlfriend and companion lecturing Ray's shortcomings so as to ignore their own. I say this with personal experience. Not vitriol. RIP Ray.
Wow, incredible story and a journey into Rays world. Leaves a new vision of the struggle people are in on the street. Very sad that there could not be a less predictable ending. So much to process, very powerful.
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Opiate addiction for a lot of people is a living nightmare. And even when you get out of it trying to reconnect to the normal world and come back and be able to try and work and be a normal person can be a whole different kind of nightmare. I was addicted to heroin and Fentanyl for 22 years. I am putting my life back together a bit by bit and it is extremely hard extremely hard and I am trying to go back to school this quarter and that and having a place to stay is all I can do right now. I have to keep working on my physical and mental health. God bless you 🙏
Amazing documentary this definitely put some things in perspective. Your life isn’t as hard as you perceive it to be compared to others. Thank you for emailing about this documentary to watch. Ray’s journey is lesson for many with battle with addiction. R.I.P Ray his willingness to share his journey like this is selfless. Him getting to sail again he seemed to be so at peace and happy.
Balled my eyes out seeing Ray sooo happy on that sailboat ⛵️ Bless your soul Ray ❤😢❤ I see what a beautiful man you really are ‼️❤️🙏❤️ I’m so sorry addiction got a hold of you 😭
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A sailor stuck on land.. Such nice people that invited him to sail with them on their boat. It was so nice to see him happy again. He just wanted companionship.
I've wanted to do a story like this in Winnipeg for years now, this makes me want to do it even more. SO well done. It is very sad but people NEED to see this. It gives perspective to all of us who have a home and family and a little money in the bank. Ray had next to nothing and was so happy and giving. I think society has fallen short in many ways when it comes to helping the homeless, and this paints that picture quite openly. Well done guys.
Wow! Overdosed in the tenderloin on fentanyl more times than 2 years than I did on heroin and almost 20...kicked 280 mg of methadone in county the months of my life... Almost died from seizures dehydration and hunger... I can relate!
I've watched tons of these, and I've always just shaken my head in disbelief, but this is the first poignant one I've watched, and the ending broke me. What a beautifully told story
@johnadamson2760 I fell and broke some ribs & lost a few days. I just thought enough of this. The gear is not good & I've had enough quite simply. I've been on methadone wh8ch is a help, but at the same time, I'll have to get off that next.
His final boat ride 🤍🕊️ That man made Rays one last wish in life come true. That’s all he talked about the entire documentary was about getting back on the water. May he rest in peace.
Awesome camera work and telling a story with only 1 camera. Gives the layman encouragement of what one can do with a camera and good audio. Great story! Way to knock it out of the park!
I was spiked with Fentanyl 5 years ago and was rushed to hospital in the back of an ambulance. I don't know how at risk I was from dying, but I went through a horrific comedown and withdrawal symptoms over the following week and suffered panic attacks for months after. This was after one incident. Quitting a long term addiction has got to be hell.
Incredible storytelling. Getting as close as possible to what it is like living on the street, living for the next hit. Without actually being a drug addict.
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This film truly shows how addiction can not only destroy one's mind and body, but it also devours one's soul as well. I know this because it destroyed my family and has tried it's damnedest to destroy me! I've been clean for 12 years now. I'm so greatful for that EVERY DAY!!! But I also miss my mom, my dad and my brother..... EVERY DAY. I pray that they, along with Ray and everyone else this godawful disease has taken from us have finally found peace. 💕💕💕💕
that's how i felt watching it.... his soul just decays but what i love about the ending is that it shows the soul is indestructible. it reminded me that no matter how gripped by drugs he was, something great was still buried inside
@johnadamson2760 I agree. The ending was moving because even though the drugs had taken him through absolute hell, he still had hope . Also, I agree that the soul can be indestructible, but sometimes some of us have to fight like hell to hold on to it.
I REALLY like RAy, I'm an addict as well don't use fentynal but opiods all the same. I could see myself hanging our with RAY. Good documentary I enjoyed it.
Beautifully constructed Michael. I've been waiting to see this since the AOD course and seeing the poster on the wall of your office. The lessons taught by you, Tad, Mark and the team became even more cohesive in mind as to the process of documenting as I watched through this. It is a unique experience having an understanding of both sides of the lens in this type of work and yet it was still immersive to be carried into Ray's story. Bravo! His memory and legacy will be carried through time thanks to your incredible work. Very inspirational from many perspectives.
I am an ex 25 yr opioid I.V drug user, been clean 8 yrs now, kratom saved my life, Ray seemed like such a great great guy, alot of great people get caught up in the grip of addiction, its so sad , RIP Ray!
Kratom saved my ass too. Suboxone was harder to come off than heroin from my experience. I weened off the kratom over a 3 month period and the withdrawals weren't even close to other opiods. It saves lives if used properly
Thank you so much for the incredible work you put into this film and for sharing it like this! I was especially touched by his conversation with his mother. It showed the broader impact his addiction had on his kids and grandkids. This film could easily save someone from going down this path, hopefully many people.
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Such a beautiful film Michael! I watched it the other night and loved it; I’ve been so inspired by the way you shot and told this story! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼
As all the othercommentators have said: this is a powerful film. You mentioned that the mainstream film world did not pick this up. I saw another Toronto-based documentary that followed the downward spiral of a homeless man with mental illness on Prime Video and it was called Atilla. This film is very much like Attila and I can’t believe it wouldn’t find its place on that platform. Just thought I would mention it.
Bless the heart of the man who took a stranger sailing. Beautiful.
Canadians man 🥲
Alex. he was a very great guy
Hey stranger , wanna go sailing sometime ? i don't have a boat however , if you say yes it's worth while getting one though :) lol
Kindness of strangers is the most beautiful thing.
I kinda keep forgetting that it even exists anymore,
so it moves me to tears every single time. ❤
@@TikuVsTaku Joking aside , i 100% agree . I have Autism and it makes me more thoughtful than most people , but i often think being super thoughtful towards anyone just regularly shows you how so many other people are so selfish and incapable of thinking of others . my thoughtful mind is a part of my autism i am proud of but everything has a different perspective and it makes me so vulnerable in relationships that I have had to give up on the dream i will ever find someone genuine . Being caring makes people use me without me seeing it over and over . I have noticed people changing and now just holding a door open for a woman doesn't even get a thanks .
The kindest man to take Ray sailing. Rest easy, Ray. No more pain.
He was such a good soul, just lost in the addiction. This was a beautiful documentary. What a wonderful man to take him on that boat ride before he died. I wish there was a way more people could see this. I feel that they would second guess sticking a needle in their arm. RIP Ray
I love that he got to experience his dream of sailing one last time! Well done, Michael. 🙏
😢I was bawling, this was exceptional! When I run into homeless individuals the first thing I do is ask their name and shake their hand. I believe in kindness and respect.. a little humanity can save someone lives❤
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@@melisawith1s640wish there were more like you. Probably be a whole lot less of what this man struggled with. Peace and many blessings to you and yours..
His face changed his eyes sparkled. Rip Sir 🙏
As a former addict (never homeless) I was able to connect immediately with Ray’s plight. This film shows the strength of the human spirit regardless of the situation. Ray was an intelligent, hard working and resourceful fellow. You were able to show his perseverance for life even though his addiction had taken what we would consider a normal life away. Imagine having to do what Ray did daily for survival. Not many of us would last long. I read your initial email about this film and found that Ray had passed away this summer. I was in tears. This film moved me greatly. What you did to film this with virtually next to nothing but a single camera and lens is incredible. You captured the essence of a human with dreams and aspirations that sadly addiction destroyed. There are thousands of Rays out there as we have decidedly lost to the opioid epidemic.
God bless Ray and I believe he is sailing a beautiful ocean free from the bonds of his earthly prison. Incredible story, incredible film. Thank you for sharing.
God bless you. Thank you for sharing about yourself I am an addict also and was addicted to heroin and Fentanyl for 22 years. I use methadone for 2 years to get me off the Fentanyl and now I am using sublocade to get me off the methadone and to get off everything. The worst thing about being addicted to opiates for me was being ostracized from society and not being able to work for so long and unlike alcohol which you can buy legally and nicotine and caffeine legally opiates you cannot buy legally so you are ostracized from society. That to me long-term was the worst part about being addicted to opiates was being ostracized completely from society and not being able to work for so long and having to buy opiates illegally on the street for an exorbitant amount. I hope you are doing good or better. I am in a really good place in a home that's paid off it's not mine but it's paid off and I'm going back to college and the people around me support me as long as I am clean and getting better I only have food stamps and go to the food bank but I am surviving and doing all right. I am also helping out at the place I stay and help clean up the place and keep it clean. I have done so much in my recovery that my mom put me as the executor of her trust. She told me she is thrilled with how good I'm doing not to me means everything and anybody else that thinks I need to do better or more right now can go pound sand as they have not been in my shoes. God bless you 🙏
Ware Worte
@@tderrenberger1 your words are perfectly put and I would say even profound for me on a personal level. Thanks for what you wrote
This comment sounds like chat gtp wrote it😂
@@bradpnw1897 i effing hate that alcohol and cigs are legal but other drugs are not. Prohibtion doesn't work and they admitted ir with alcohol.. It makes life harder and more dangerous for addicts. I know some people think addicts deserve to die, but surely there must be enough people who dont want them to die? with the govs policies as they are the gov agrees that addicts should die.nobody can logically agree to alcohol being legal and other drugs not. Cause the hardest drug of all is alcohol. I wish i was technically and creatively skilled enough to make a bunch of ads for other drugs just like alcohol is marketed . That would be a fun project
See how happy he was on that sail boat, i had tear come down, man didn't memtion drugs nor looked like he needed them whole time on that boat!
Bless your soul & know you were loved
Same .
As an ex and recovering heroin addict who also found my father face flat deceased from Fentanyl andwho has made a total transformation of my life im in tears as the documentary is ending. There's so much I can and want to say but this is all I have right now. This was extremely heavy for me but also beautifully done Michael whoever you are
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Incredible film. The story, the music, the cinematography, and totally immersed into Rays world...a masterpiece of a film.
It’s really intense and sad makes me hate heroin. Also this makes me never want to give anyone pan handling any money ever again sheesh smoking while shooting H into your veins drinking vodka straight so horrific.
*A MASTERPIECE OF A DOCUMENTARY !!! R.I.P RAY!!*
Thank you for watching. please share with those who need to see it
I was looking forward to watching this for so long and it didn’t disappoint! This is a truly powerful story. I believe addiction and homelessness carries a lot of stigma to it and is often overlooked by “normal” people. I think this is a great film for someone to get an honest glimpse into a world most people don’t have an idea about. Thank you for providing an honest, respectful and unbiased film!
Told without judgement showing the best and worst of the human experience. Bravo Michael. I stand amazed!
It’s amazing a gift you have telling a story like this visually. 🙏🏾
My eyes swelled up the minute this film began. About 1/3 the way through and that hasn't gone away. From a visual and audio experience, this is nothing short of amazing. Hard to imagine though that this is but one of many thousands of stories similar to his. This is going to be a tough one to finish watching. Brilliant work Michael! I hope this resonates with everyone who watches it, and helps a few people as well!!!
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My Husband and I have neen off the streets and in recovery for over 12 years and I can tell You it was not easy. We got ourselves out just before the fentanyl crisis what I believe would have been Our end. Life still has struggle and problems but far easier to handle and get through. I truly pray for ones out there because it looks like hell to Me now.
Prayers don't work, get to steppin😢
What a powerful documentary and beautiful piece of art. I am in tears as I write this and will not forget it anytime soon. I will be more conscious of being kind to those who are struggling. I was especially saddened by the amount of people who simply ignored him when he was asking what concert was going on, as if he were invisible. RIP Ray, hope you are off somewhere sailing the seas in peace.
God bless the women that checked if he was ok and the man that took him on a boat ride. Rest in gentle peace Ray ❤❤❤
This documentary has been tastefully depicted and really brings a sense of empathy and compassion. May he be at peace.
Thank you for watching and your comments.
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I have been sober for almost 18 months now. I have had temptations to go back out. Thank you for sharing this and putting yourself in harms way to share to others. This film has made me think twice about going back out again. Thank you so much. And God bless ray ❤
Congrats on your sobriety. Thanks for watching the film.... almost everyone I filmed (this was in 2018) has since passed away. Do whatever you can to stay clean.
Same off methadone 18 months
give it some time, I promise it gets better....I did dope for 10+ yrs, got help, got cleaned up n never looking back...biggest thing is love yourself ....take care of your body
I’ve been fighting for my sobriety for 4 years now and I’m failing thanks to zero resources in my area. This is a real disease that requires help and human connection to beat and unfortunately most places just don’t have anything like that these days. I’m angry and bitter and tired but I’m not giving up. I won’t be a sacrifice for their agenda. I’ve lost numerous family members, friends, and associates to this disease and most people I know have too. Young men are dropping dead daily around the country from this mental illness (addiction) and it’s sickening how little help and resources and empathetic attention is devoted to it. Basically none actually. Century old outdated book thumping g twelve step programs with abysmal success rates is the only option, free or otherwise anywhere near me. What a joke. I may be a nothing man to everyone else but my life matters to ME.
@@DumHeatherkeep that fight. I often wonder if those struggling with this knew it was an actual agenda would that be the fire they needed to fight back. I tell my son there are MANY traps set for him. Opiates are one of many. Keep fighting. You're right. You're important and your life does matter. God bless you. Peace and many blessings to you and yours.
Rest in peace, Ray. My heart broke when you were walking past all those people asking them who was performing and nobody even wanted to answer you. You were a human and you deserved a better life.
Like he was invisible. 😢
Addicts are invisible. We pass them everyday in the street corner, we pass judgment, disgust, and distrust. Even when addicts get sober and rebuild their lives they are still judged and looked down upon and are never truly trusted by anyone. It’s a shame, and it is disgusting what the government and big pharmaceutical companies have done to our society.
Have you ever been attacked by a homeless person when you engaged with them? It's happened twice to me and that's why I stopped trying to talk to them or help them. Engage with crazy and they will hyper focus on you.
I agree. I was infuriated
What a beautiful portrait. Thank you for all the hearts that went into this movie.
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You're quite a sunrise over a lofty blue pink sky yourself.
Thank you for this documentary it was very touching to me , my sister died of a drug overdose plus she was living in Toronto like ray . Thank you again for this documentary I was crying like a baby , it would be great if they showed this in high schools . Much love from Winnipeg Manitoba ❤🇨🇦
We're so sorry to hear about your sister. We agree... this story needs to be shared to show the devastating effect. Please share ❤
Thank you Michael Del Monte. I met you briefly at Ray's Memorial gathering earlier this year. Raymond was a very good friend of mine growing up and whom I reconnected with for a short period when he lived on his sailboat. You told his story and the story of addiction beautifully and the real life consequences of those choices. He leaves behind family and friends who loved him dearly and wish he had made better choices. Your work is incredible, and I'm glad you stopped that day to get to know him. ❤
"Just make better choices, addicts"
You're making it sound as if addiction is completely voluntary. Even though addiction is as "voluntary" as someone overcome with thirst drinking any water that they can find: from a puddle, from a toilet bowl. Yes using _is_ a choice but it's a severely compromised choice. Please get yourself educated on the disease of addiction.
Very true about addiction. Lots of people addicted to opiates didn't choose to become addicted to opiates. I went through eight surgeries over the course of two years and became dependent upon oxycontin and then after my surgeries were over the doctors just took it away without weaning me off of it properly. That's when I went to heroine as there was nothing else no one knew about kratom as this was early 2002. 20 years later and I am still dealing with the consequences of addiction and just trying to get my life in order and I live near Seattle where everybody is Rich and everybody has money and it is insanely expensive and so just getting by is very very hard and it is all I can do to just keep going. Thank God I got sublocade. That has freed me immensely from having to use illegal drugs as I haven't used any heroin and Fentanyl in almost 2 years. But I am weaning off the sublocade which is fun enough in itself add hard to do anything else I am trying to go back to college this next quarter and I am looking forward to that as I have nothing else besides food stamps. Oxycontin and snared so many people when they shouldn't have ever been given opiates like that at such a high dose especially in the early 2000s it is killed so so many and led so many to heroin and opioid addiction. Even a lot of people that got off oxycontin are now on methadone or Suboxone for potentially the rest of their lives or for many many years even if they detox it takes some years to get off and years to feel decent again. Addiction is a disease. Full stop point blank. The worst thing about being addicted to heroin was that it cut me off from society for so many years and I wasn't able to work or function in society so trying to get back to being a quote normal person is incredibly hard. that was the worst thing that being addicted to opiates ever did to me was it cut me off from normal society whereas if you're addicted to alcohol nicotine or caffeine you can be in normal society and still buy your drugs completely legal and not have to be cut off and ostracized from society. I go to a church group and there are lots of people there that are dealing with alcohol issues but they can work as they can buy alcohol legally for cheap and as long as they don't get too drunk at work they can still work no problem. Where as you cannot do that with opiates. Like Ray I was a person that was in the fire department I had a career I was going to college I was building a career in life for myself before I needed eight surgeries because my jaw bones were literally falling apart because of bad genetics. Opiate addiction is a very cruel and insidious disease. God bless
@@eustab.anas-mann9510 But the thing is, everyone KNOWS these drugs are addictive, so why even do them the first time? That's the part where it absolutely is a choice. Nothing about that life is appealing.
@@eustab.anas-mann9510its NOT ADDICTION IT IS DEMON POSSESSION
So many found a friend in Ray, Rest easy mate🤍
Amazing film! This is the type of documentary that needs to be shared. I’m going to send this to my boss. I work as a peer support counselor helping the homeless meeting them where they are at. I witnessed how hard it is for them to get back on track with their recovery.
Thank you so much. We appreciate all the sharing we can get.
So, so, so powerful. Humanizing, respectful, and gorgeous. It's cliche to say, but everyone needs to see this. It's world-view-shifting.
This was hard to watch but I couldn't look away. His story is heart breaking and you told it beautifully.
Looking at his face on the sailboat with the sun in the end....says it all!
Thank you, Michael. Rest in everlasting peace, Ray. ⛵️🙏🏼
This film is profound and moving. One of the best I’ve seen.
As a person whose life has been impacted due to addiction;(family, friends and, eventually, my own)
…well, I thank you. I can’t type more for the tears…it’s all been said very eloquently in the comments. This was outstanding. Thank you. Blessings to all. 🙏🏼🕊❤️🇺🇸🇨🇦❤️
My father was on the streets,some of my friends died on the streets from booze or heroin.I was dying from alcoholism but the courts sent me to AA stayed with it.Stayed sober,praying for those in the struggle for life.🙏
Well, I cried for a man I never met. The last 10mins got me. I knew what was coming. So glad he got back on the water one last time. RIP Ray! 53 is too young!
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Remarkable story. The narrator did a great job staying in the background to tell Raymond’s story.❤
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Watching this documentary was heart felt.......My son passed away November 23 of fentanyl poisoning in Vancouver BC. Please be reminded that more than 7000 people passed away in BC alone in 2023, 2024 will probably be more. Imagine all provinces combined.
My condolences to all the family and friends from a father that understands the pain and grief of losing my own son.
We're so sorry for your loss. Most of the characters in this doc have passed away. Thank you for watching.
Wish our rich nation could find better solutions to stop fentanyl in Canada , sorry about your son passing , that is heartbreaking to hear I see so many more homeless people everywhere in edmonton each day my home city, I cant imagine Vancouver anymore as last time I lived in Burnaby was 2009 and I thought things were getting worse . Please find a way to see brightness even in dark times , sorry Christian. ❤
My deepest sympathies to his family members who never had the brother, father, husband and friend that they deserved.
Been in his shoes. Took 15 years of my life from age 16 to 30. Had a chance to get out when I became pregnant, never looked back. Rest peacefully Ray, on the sea ⛵.
You have a bright future ahead of you Michael , so well filmed and post , sorry bout Raymond very sad
RUclips and its algorithm brought me here. Truly a work of film art, astonishing documentary. Thank you for showing the perspective we all never see-especially Rays story. Seemed like a very well hearted, funny guy. The opioid crisis is always talked about, but never have I seen it brought to the surface like this documentary.
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I pray that Ray is sailing in the sky! 🙏
What a great film. I truly feel I was just walking with Ray the whole time he reminds me of a guy I used to know on the streets when I was an addict. Never thought about himself always cared for others to the point he would get taken advantage of. My friend died five years ago at a bus stop. I was clean for a year before I found out. It breaks my heart that I made it out alive and he suffered and he died and silence. Addiction won this battle with ray, rest easy.
First, I have been in recovery from opiate addiction for many years because I was blessed enough to get help. I so appreciate the Woman who asked him if he was okay when he was nodding out, amd also when I saw him sailing at the end in my hearts of hearts I was hoping that it reminded him of what life can be without drugs and soooo hope he gets clean. Every soul is worth saving. I myself am a miracle and guys we are all one and what affects one affects all. ❤😊
I am currently on suboxone am done taking narcotic pain medication am so happy now i feel better am so glad I asked for help too
@@sarahlewis7213 Good So happy for you!! Suboxone really helped me too..stay on as long as you need A great book also that helped me is, " The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle..And ," The Untethered Soul" by Michelle Singer. Wish you the best 🙂💞💨
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All in all one of the best,honest, and relatable documentaries on heroin addiction to date. The tent life,panhandling,and owing dealers hundreds then giving up your entire welfare check to them each month.
well said. thanks for watching
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Phenomenal work Michael! It is amazing what can be created from stopping to have a conversation
1:19:00 this image fascinated me. It’s beautiful. I’m a realism / portrait artist and wanted to draw this for Ray before I came into the comments and saw that he is gone. This is heartbreaking. He had such a kind soul.
If you paint it we would love to add it on our Instagram page and give you credit. This is a great still.
@@theartofdocumentary I would draw it with charcoal and graphite. I still may do it and will send it for you to see.
So sad when he is asking who’s playing and he’s being ignored by the crowd. I think we all have seen or done that at some point. It was like holding a mirror to the audience, making us actually see Ray and feel for him. Also, loved how the movie ended. Beautiful. It felt like a deserved win after so much struggle. 👏👏👏
Well said. Thank you for watching. Please share with those who need to see it.
This movie is a pure work of art.
The simplicity in telling rays story by capturing a brief chapter in his life. This was a good man. I know from experience, that quality is rare to find on the streets.
Unfortunately, a good person will get taken advantage of more than a crazy angry lunatic.
God speed Ray
Thank you for watching. We're taking a grassroots approach and would love if you could share it with your family/friends.
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Agreed. From a former addict if 20yrs❤️🩹
this is me. different city, different faces and a different ending, but just the same in all ways. thank you!
This work just feels like you’re being teleported into a different world watching it. Love it Michael, the best Cinema Vérité film I’ve ever seen.
Powerful film that humanizes homelessness and challenges common perceptions. Kudos to Michael for immersing himself in such a different environment to tell this story with empathy and depth.
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I'm glad you captured the junkie hierarchy through Ray's ex-girlfriend and companion lecturing Ray's shortcomings so as to ignore their own. I say this with personal experience. Not vitriol. RIP Ray.
WELL SAID
Indeed…
Incredible work Michael. An honor to view this film.
Wow, incredible story and a journey into Rays world. Leaves a new vision of the struggle people are in on the street. Very sad that there could not be a less predictable ending. So much to process, very powerful.
Thank you substance abuse is a mental health problem not a moral one these tortured souls need help
If it is a mental health issue, then don't you think society should force them to get clean since mentally they aren't able to make good choices?
This documentary leaves me speechless. Brutal and honest. Rest in peace, Ray.
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Im an ex fentanyl heroin user
Been clean 5 years good bless ray …. My heart beoken😢😢
Thank you, Michael. And thank you, Ray. RIP.
Sail away Ray.. I hope that you're at peace. Phenomenal documentary ❤
This is raw, tragic, heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
RIP Ray ❤
What a dream. This verité film touches some deep realm of what it means to be human. Wow.
Opiate addiction for a lot of people is a living nightmare. And even when you get out of it trying to reconnect to the normal world and come back and be able to try and work and be a normal person can be a whole different kind of nightmare. I was addicted to heroin and Fentanyl for 22 years. I am putting my life back together a bit by bit and it is extremely hard extremely hard and I am trying to go back to school this quarter and that and having a place to stay is all I can do right now. I have to keep working on my physical and mental health. God bless you 🙏
@@bradpnw1897Sme here ...U not alone
effortlessly stunning cinematography...
beautiful and tragic all at the same time
Amazing documentary this definitely put some things in perspective. Your life isn’t as hard as you perceive it to be compared to others. Thank you for emailing about this documentary to watch. Ray’s journey is lesson for many with battle with addiction. R.I.P Ray his willingness to share his journey like this is selfless. Him getting to sail again he seemed to be so at peace and happy.
Rip Raymond, the struggle is over friend.
Thank you for watching
Balled my eyes out seeing Ray sooo happy on that sailboat ⛵️ Bless your soul Ray ❤😢❤ I see what a beautiful man you really are ‼️❤️🙏❤️ I’m so sorry addiction got a hold of you 😭
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Thank you for giving us a glimpse into Ray’s life. I hope everyone finds peace.🙏💫💖🦋✨
Thank you for watching
Great Film, i really felt immersed in rays life and story, so sad.
A sailor stuck on land.. Such nice people that invited him to sail with them on their boat. It was so nice to see him happy again. He just wanted companionship.
I've wanted to do a story like this in Winnipeg for years now, this makes me want to do it even more. SO well done. It is very sad but people NEED to see this. It gives perspective to all of us who have a home and family and a little money in the bank. Ray had next to nothing and was so happy and giving. I think society has fallen short in many ways when it comes to helping the homeless, and this paints that picture quite openly. Well done guys.
I think those of us that have little are often the ones who give the most
My father is a 73 year old fentanyl addict, i dread when the phone rings after midnight.
Love your hard work on this one Michael. It is a really immersive film. It feels like we are also homeless - navigating the streets of Toronto.
Wow! Overdosed in the tenderloin on fentanyl more times than 2 years than I did on heroin and almost 20...kicked 280 mg of methadone in county the months of my life... Almost died from seizures dehydration and hunger... I can relate!
What a great documentary. I could tell that Ray was a good person, and I'm glad that he got to enjoy sailing one last time. RIP Ray (the sailor)
That was a great
watch beautiful character
Away to young at 51
RIP Ray
I've watched tons of these, and I've always just shaken my head in disbelief, but this is the first poignant one I've watched, and the ending broke me.
What a beautifully told story
Im from England, smokes H for 10 years, im 11 weeks clean today. Think im almost over all the ups and downs that addiction brings.
what was key for getting clean?
Good luck to ya
I didn’t mean to sound glib… really, all good wishes to you
You got this! Just hit the one year mark. It gets easier. Stay strong and stay sober.
@johnadamson2760 I fell and broke some ribs & lost a few days. I just thought enough of this. The gear is not good & I've had enough quite simply. I've been on methadone wh8ch is a help, but at the same time, I'll have to get off that next.
His final boat ride 🤍🕊️ That man made Rays one last wish in life come true. That’s all he talked about the entire documentary was about getting back on the water. May he rest in peace.
Awesome camera work and telling a story with only 1 camera. Gives the layman encouragement of what one can do with a camera and good audio. Great story! Way to knock it out of the park!
Couldn't agree more!
I was spiked with Fentanyl 5 years ago and was rushed to hospital in the back of an ambulance. I don't know how at risk I was from dying, but I went through a horrific comedown and withdrawal symptoms over the following week and suffered panic attacks for months after. This was after one incident. Quitting a long term addiction has got to be hell.
Incredible storytelling. Getting as close as possible to what it is like living on the street, living for the next hit. Without actually being a drug addict.
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Rest Easy Ray
R.I.P ray. He seemed like a genuine guy. I was so sad to see the ending of his life 😢
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Thank you Michael for telling Ray's story. You did an absolute excellent job... RIP Raymond - from AOD Member Jack
Thank you for watching Jack. Please share with those who need to see it.
Ray was really seeking a place of no pain. Glad he is trully at peace now.
It leaves you with a lot of emotions and thoughts after watching it. 👍🏼👍🏼！！
So sad. Thanks for telling Ray's story
Amazing film Michael, I have been wanting to view this for months now. So inspiring!
This film truly shows how addiction can not only destroy one's mind and body, but it also devours one's soul as well. I know this because it destroyed my family and has tried it's damnedest to destroy me! I've been clean for 12 years now. I'm so greatful for that EVERY DAY!!! But I also miss my mom, my dad and my brother..... EVERY DAY. I pray that they, along with Ray and everyone else this godawful disease has taken from us have finally found peace. 💕💕💕💕
that's how i felt watching it.... his soul just decays but what i love about the ending is that it shows the soul is indestructible. it reminded me that no matter how gripped by drugs he was, something great was still buried inside
@johnadamson2760 I agree. The ending was moving because even though the drugs had taken him through absolute hell, he still had hope . Also, I agree that the soul can be indestructible, but sometimes some of us have to fight like hell to hold on to it.
what a deeply moving honest account of Ray Martin's brief life 🩵 love in the universe for Ray and family 💜
I REALLY like RAy, I'm an addict as well don't use fentynal but opiods all the same. I could see myself hanging our with RAY. Good documentary I enjoyed it.
Excellent documentary! RIP Ray❤
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RIP Ray . Condolences to his family and friends .
Beautifully constructed Michael. I've been waiting to see this since the AOD course and seeing the poster on the wall of your office. The lessons taught by you, Tad, Mark and the team became even more cohesive in mind as to the process of documenting as I watched through this. It is a unique experience having an understanding of both sides of the lens in this type of work and yet it was still immersive to be carried into Ray's story. Bravo! His memory and legacy will be carried through time thanks to your incredible work. Very inspirational from many perspectives.
I am an ex 25 yr opioid I.V drug user, been clean 8 yrs now, kratom saved my life, Ray seemed like such a great great guy, alot of great people get caught up in the grip of addiction, its so sad , RIP Ray!
How was the kratom taken? Capsules,powder shake drink mix,etc.. And what strain and kind(name)
Kratom saved my ass too. Suboxone was harder to come off than heroin from my experience. I weened off the kratom over a 3 month period and the withdrawals weren't even close to other opiods. It saves lives if used properly
Thank you so much for the incredible work you put into this film and for sharing it like this! I was especially touched by his conversation with his mother. It showed the broader impact his addiction had on his kids and grandkids. This film could easily save someone from going down this path, hopefully many people.
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The ending was so beautiful peaceful and calm. Great doc
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Rest in perfect peace Ray. Life is so damn hard.
I was really hoping it was going to have a happy ending. Addiction rarely does ....its hard to find hope...in a hopeless situation 😢
Oh, Finally I can watch it. Thank you🙏.
Such a beautiful film Michael! I watched it the other night and loved it; I’ve been so inspired by the way you shot and told this story! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼
As all the othercommentators have said: this is a powerful film. You mentioned that the mainstream film world did not pick this up. I saw another Toronto-based documentary that followed the downward spiral of a homeless man with mental illness on Prime Video and it was called Atilla. This film is very much like Attila and I can’t believe it wouldn’t find its place on that platform. Just thought I would mention it.
This is a very well shot and produced documentary. Keep up the great work.
Beautiful and heartbreaking - well done Michael
this is gut wrenching
Amazing documentary! Absolutely better than any Hollywood movie! Great job to all involved, and R.I.P. Ray! The pain and struggle is over!