Successful Screening of “Dirty Drugs” Brings Community Together in Glendale
The City of Glendale hosted a powerful and well-attended screening of the short documentary “Dirty Drugs – The Crisis of Addiction and Overdose,” drawing a full house and creating an important space for open and honest conversations around addiction, overdose, and recovery within the local community.
The event was hosted by the Glendale Police Department through its Substance Abuse and Wellness Resource Program, in partnership with the City of Glendale. Together, they provided a thoughtful and informative platform that emphasized prevention, awareness, and access to resources.
Held at LOOK Cinemas, the screening highlighted the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis on individuals, families, and neighborhoods. The documentary features real stories and perspectives that underscored the urgency of addressing substance use through education, collaboration, and community-based solutions.
“Dirty Drugs” is a 2025–2026 short documentary produced for the Glendale Police Department and the City of Glendale, examining the fentanyl crisis and its effects on local communities, while highlighting the importance of prevention efforts and available support systems.
Leaders from Impact Foundation LA were present and also featured in the documentary, including Victoria Marie Malone, Executive Director, and Jerry Lee Butt, III, President. Their participation reflected the organization’s continued commitment to advocacy, education, and community engagement around substance abuse and overdose prevention.
The event was further supported by the presence of key community leaders and partners, including Annette Ghazarian, Communications Officer for the City of Glendale; Peter Bahlawanian, Producer and Director of the film; Harry Leon, CV Town Council Member and key stakeholder and advocate in Crescenta Valley; Chris Kilpatrick, CV Town Council Member; and Robert William, Interim Chief of Police.
Members of the CV Cares team were also in attendance to support the event and strengthen community engagement, including Susan Bolan, Parent Sector Member; Stacy Garay, Program Assistant; and Victoria Monteleone, a lived experience advocate.
Following the screening, a professional panel discussion brought together participants from the documentary and subject-matter experts. The Q&A session was facilitated by Sona Hovespian from the Glendale Police Department’s Substance Abuse and Wellness Resource Program and CV Cares Coalition Committee Lead, focusing on prevention strategies, available resources, and the role of community collaboration in supporting recovery.
Representatives from the Glendale Police Department and City of Glendale staff who worked on the project were also present, along with documentary participants and panelists who contributed to the success of the evening.
The event concluded with appreciation extended to all who attended and supported this important conversation. Community members seeking information about available substance abuse and wellness resources are encouraged to visit GlendaleCA.gov/SubstanceAbuseResources.
This successful screening demonstrated the power of partnership between local government, law enforcement, community organizations, and residents in fostering awareness, education, and collective action toward a safer and healthier community.
