Mom I’m Still On Drugs: Richmond-made film celebrates anniversary

Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor 

In August 2024, local filmmaker Ken Brisby premiered their debut film release “Mom I’m On Drugs.” One year later, Brisby held a VHS release party at the Black Iris Social Club in Richmond’s Art District. 

The VHS tapes are manufactured by a small business in Raleigh, North Carolina, called Terror Tapes, according to Catie Wren, Brisby’s partner and a marketer for the movie. 

“They just kind-of hit up Ken randomly on Instagram, just being like, ‘I heard about your film. I’d love to see it,  I’m also someone who makes VHS for small, independent horror films,’” Wren said. 

“Mom I’m On Drugs,” is a fantasy-horror film that follows five teens and how one night can change everything. 

Wren said she felt the point of the film was to unify the community and give opportunities to people who might not have had them in the past.

The crowd was filled with people who knew Brisby in their personal lives and were involved in the film. The room bustled with energy — every attendee was excited to see what Brisby had made. 

The movie is inspired by Brisby’s and their friends’ experiences, according to them. 

“Writing it was self-therapy,” Brisby stated in an email. “Sharing has allowed people to know me a little better and allowed me to say a special goodbye to friends I lost in my 20s.”

Brisby hopes their film can make viewers feel less lonely. 

“Not knowing your place in society and not knowing how you identify through gender is important to share with others,” Brisby stated. “To show them you had a hard time growing up, confused and frustrated, so no one feels alone if they are vulnerable.” 

The film is set to play in different cities across the East Coast, according to Brisby. The tour is just starting. 

“We hit Raleigh to screen it,” Brisby stated. “Pretty much everyone there bought a copy of the VHS afterwards. Richmond is next, then Charlottesville, D.C. and Brooklyn.” 

Brisby is not sure when their next project will be released because they do not have the means. 

“Gov. Youngkin took away my union, IATSE film work in VA,” they stated. “By not supporting and supplementing the arts, I have no money to currently make another film.” 

However, Brisby hopes to direct a script they’ve written. They stated that if they do start another production, they hope to have a larger crew. 

“Doing six or so departments is something no one should ever have to do on a film, but it’s what it entails to make a no-budget or low-budget film,” Brisby stated. 

A number of premiere attendees were involved with the movie, according to assistant director and extra Allison Wick.

Wick has known Brisby for about 20 years, and said they have talked about the movie for just as long. She said the people in their life almost did not believe Brisby when they said the film was finally being made.

“We filmed this in 2021, and they’ve been editing it since then and it just keeps getting better and better every time I see it,” Wick said. 

Wick said that while she had worked on film sets before “Mom I’m on Drugs,” most of the crew hadn’t — it was a collection of close friends.

Michael Derks, also known as Balsac, the guitarist from the Richmond heavy metal icons Gwar, was featured in the film as well.

“We all just met at Gwar Bar and Ken’s been in the community for like 20 years, it just happened naturally,” Wick said.

Local bands Kitchette and Sad Roach were included in the film’s soundtrack. 

Sad Roach is a punk garage band from D.C. Lead singer and guitarist Sarah Barnheart felt the production of Brisby’s film aligned with her band’s do-it-yourself concept. 

Though it is unknown when Brisby may be able to create another film, they are surrounded by a community there to help.