By Gordon David Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/27/25 – When the large audience at Atmosphere church was asked recently who had been affected by drug addiction, almost every hand hit the air.
The documentary “Survivors. Untold Stories in America’s Opioid Crisis,” a confronting film, had its Westlake Village premiere at the non- denominational church’s sanctuary. The gathering was not a glamorous event, rather a sharing of stories, information, grief and tears. On the screen and off.
Kay Sumner, director and producer, and husband, Murray Sumner were at the large center, to discuss the production in a panel moderated by Pastor Jim Crews. Kay Sumner explained she wanted to make the film after talented musician son Josh Benko, died from an overdose. “I wanted people to know it could happen to anyone. Any family.”
As a producer, Sumner worked on the hit TV series “Dog Whisperer” but “Survivors” could be seen as more of a passion project. Personal and profound.
“Survivors” delves into the opioid epidemic in America, with testimonies from everyday people in Westlake Village and Ohio, who survived. Some did not. The documentary shows how these Americans turned to drugs and in most cases successfully overcame addiction. Many escaped personal tragedies and were able to rebuild their lives semi-successfully.
“Honesty” was the key criteria Kay used to select the people featured in the film from some 40 interviewed (recovering addicts and doctors), she said at the screening. “Some people’s conversations don’t fit in as neatly to your story.”
The storytelling in “Survivors” is intense yet powerful -and healing. For many. The penetrating film shines a light on darkness (the grim topic) in this award-winning informative and educational feature.
Kay and Murray Sumner were blessed with a supportive “miracle “crew, Gene Shiveley, Rolling Stones’ sound engineer, Producer- and Matt Dickey, motion graphics, and production needs. Music, the stirring “If I Look Fine, Then I’m Not,” was supplied by Colton Dixon.
The Foundation Not One More Time established by Sumner plural addresses the issue of opioid addiction, offering support and connection.