Director's Statement

Gods of Youth is inspired by many true stories. We researched kids and crystal meth for six months before we began rehearsal.

We interviewed police officers, addicts, ex-addicts, hospice workers, parole officers, psychiatrists, and councilors. We struck gold with Lee Mason, and ex-addict who is currently a First Nations drug and grief councilor (Lee is also in the film). We met BJ Chute and Trevor Zechel two wonderful paramedics who coached us on the physical effects of speed and shared many stories regarding the alarming number of kids doing it. Those numbers are staggering and with Gods of Youth we wanted to explore why. We rehearsed for another six months to develop story, characters and relationships. The core actors in the film are also students of mine so we were able to utilize our strong relationship and work in our own studio. We rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed. By the time we went to camera our ensemble was so strong that is is no wonder people have commented that it doesn't look or feel like acting. Our work combined with Ronan Reinart's visual and technical ability catapulted us out of our tiny black room and into the world of Gods of Youth.

-Kate Twa, Director