Documentary screening aims to educate community on addiction INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Friday is Black Balloon Day — a day to remember loved ones who’ve died of a drug overdose. An Indianapolis-based nonprofit is commemorating the day with a special film screening. Every year, the Overdose Lifeline observes the day by encouraging families to release virtual black balloons. The group’s work focuses on drug use prevention and education. Founder Justin Phillips says talking about overdose deaths helps with both the grief and with education. “It’s just a way of saying, we remember you, we honor and cherish you,” Phillips said. “A balloon is often a symbol of celebration and black being sort of a more somber color.” The day of remembrance started in 2016, when the family of Greg Trembley, a Massachusetts man, released black balloons to honor him a year after he died of an overdose. This year, Overdose Lifeline wanted to show the film “Perspectives” as another way to honor the victims and raise awareness for Black Balloon Day. Phillips says they use the movie in their youth programming. “It’s also really helpful for adults who don’t understand the disease, who don’t understand the illogical nature of this unfortunate situation called addiction. In 2024, Overdose Lifeline teamed up with the LA-based production company, Good Friend Films, to produce the documentary. “Perspectives” highlights the impact of drug use and addiction on teens and young adults. It’s made up of interviews with teens from across the country and medical experts. “We have young people telling their stories about how they started, why they started,” Phillips said. “[They talk about] the reasons that they picked up a substance — for what I like to say, a substance as a solution to other challenges that we’re experiencing in our life.” Overdose Lifeline is putting on two screenings on Friday — 2:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. After each, the group will also facilitate a discussion on how to improve addiction and recovery services in the community. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is hosting the screenings located at 3898 Lafayette Rd. in Indianapolis. The film is free to watch, but organizers ask people to RSVP online. ...read more read less