The award-winning documentary film Through A Blue Lens paints a unique and powerful portrait of life in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The film captures the raw realities of life on the street for those living with addiction, poverty and homelessness.
The film follows a year in the lives of several individuals who live in the Downtown Eastside as they struggle to survive while being watched by the police. Viewers get an intimate look at what it is like to live, love, and die on the streets.
Through A Blue Lens shows us that even within these harsh conditions, small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Over time, exchanges between police officers and drug addicts become more genuine, with some drug addicts even finding hope and starting down the path of recovery. This touching story is guaranteed to move any viewer to tears.
Veronica Alice Mannix captures this story beautifully with her stunning direction and vivid cinematography. Released in 1999, this 53-minute documentary was lauded by critics all over the world for its sensitive but unflinching portrayal of people living on the margins.
If you’re looking for an inspiring story about human connection amidst adversity, then Through A Blue Lens is something you won’t want to miss out on. Featuring interviews from both sides of law enforcement as well as from those living through addiction and poverty, this powerful film showcases how we can make a difference no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem.