Film Lens
Breaking the Taboo is a 2011 Brazilian documentary film that examines the history of the war on drugs, starting with the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The film features interviews with former heads of state, including U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, and leaders from Brazil, Colombia, Switzerland, Norway, and Mexico. It presents a global perspective on drug policy, filmed in 18 cities worldwide, and includes insights from 168 subjects such as police, inmates, and rehabilitated addicts.
The documentary presents the conclusion of the Global Commission on Drug Policy in 2011, which advocates for drug liberalization as a more effective approach to drug policy. It includes various locations, from coca plantations in Colombia to Amsterdam coffeeshops and the U.S. prison system, illustrating the diverse implications of drug laws and policies across different cultures and societies.
Why Watch
- •Meet Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter discussing drug policy.
- •See footage from FARC coca plantations in Colombia.
- •Find out about cannabis legalization in Washington and Colorado.
Did You Know
•The film features interviews with 168 subjects from various backgrounds.
•Breaking the Taboo was first released in Brazil in 2011 as Quebrando o Tabu.
•The English version was released on YouTube on December 7, 2012, for one month.
•57% of viewers polled by Fantástico supported legalization after watching the film.
Perfect For
Drug policy debatesGlobal politicsSocial justice issues