Films

'Lost in a K Hole?' is an informative documentary which looks into the rising use of the illegal drug ketamine in the UK. The film discovers how and why people take the substance, and explores its allure as well as its dangers.

The short film offers an introduction to the growing subject of ketamine in the UK and the wider issues surrounding the profitability of the ketamine industry, its rise in use in other countries, and its impact on specific individuals and society as a whole.

There have been very few documentaries detailing the use of ketamine in UK society. On 26 January 2009, Cannabis was upgraded from a Class C drug to a Class B drug, whilst ecstasy remains in the news over reclassification battles. Ketamine is a drug largely ignored in government bills due to ignorance of the degree to which it is used, its widespread availability and its short and long term dangers.

Ketamine (essentially a tranquilliser used by veterinarians on horses) has become a very popular drug in various music scenes and clubbing cultures, which can also become part of everyday life for its addicts. The film aims to uncover truths about the motives behind taking the drug, its effects on the mind and body, its attraction and its repulsion.

A vial of Ketamine

It also looks into how ketamine users can seek help, and begs questions about the effectiveness of these services in dealing with an increasing amount of users in the UK. The documentary takes a contemporary approach, interspersing cartoon animation which tells anecdotes about ketamine as well as providing accurate information through interview footage.

Director Belinda Barnett was inspired to make the film by first-hand observations of ketamine subculture in Leeds. She hopes the film tackles its subject in an informative manner that avoids the cheesy and sometimes patronising attitudes of other drug education material. It's her first major project but she is hoping to develop further projects on the subject.

In the film she talks to internationally-celebrated neuro-scientist, Gijsbert Stoet who explores the psychological impact of ketamine, whilst Leeds-based DJs, KeToLoCo give an insight into the music scenes surrounding the drug. Also, first hand experience of using ketamine and descending into addiction is eloquently and anonymously explained by an ex-user.

A representative of the Multiple Choice drug abuse charity in Leeds explores the help available to people and offers directions for progress in tackling problems connected with ketamine abuse.

The film has been entered into the Cannes Film Festival Shorts 2009 and Munich International Short Film Festival 2009 and will be entered into film festivals in the UK throughout 2009. More information can be found on the film's webpage: