Film

This deeply felt, empathic look at social work and life on the margins tells the story of Marty, a former drug addict; Greg, a victim of police violence; and Roxanne, a former sex worker. All three are part of the staff of social workers at a community health center in Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood, where they drawn on their experiences to help ease the paths of others while also surviving their own newfound stability. Shot over the course of five years, The Stairs is a raw, nuanced portrait of addiction, poverty, and social injustice told through subjects that are as surprising as they are funny and moving.

Post-screening Discussion
Panel discussion with Kassandra Frederique, New York State Director at Drug Policy Alliance; Terrell Jones, Outreach & Advocacy Program Manager at New York Harm Reduction Educators; and Hugh Gibson, Director of The Stairs; moderated by Grace Ali