This summer, film audiences got an uncomfortable behind-the-scenes look at the tragically short life of popstar Amy Winehouse in Asif Kapadia's excellent documentary Amy.
In Thailand however, they've found an educational use for the film. They've been using it to steer the country's young offenders away from drugs.
Yesterday, in a juvenile detention center in Bangkok, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Stop Drink Network collaborated to show the documentary to around 100 boys currently serving time for 'serious crimes such as murder and drug related crimes with sentences of five years or more' according to AP.
Kamron Chudecha from The Stop Drink Network said, 'I think Amy's story is a real story that reflect real problems in the society. Esepcially among teenagers. When Amy felt too much pressured, she acted out and started drinking. But she was gifted and found that gift. It's not too late for the students to find their gifts and learn from her mistakes.'
TBH, we were slightly skeptical about this; just how relatable is Amy's story of a popstar in an overwhelming media storm to a young potential drug addict living in a country that's over 8000 miles away from Camden? Kamron though, is adamant. 'These kids think the society labels them as drug addicts, alcohol addicts and criminals. When one hits rock bottom, it takes a lot of courage to fight the loneliness and criticism, like when Amy has to fight the media attention and people around her. Amy lost the battle. But these kids still have a chance.'
Hey, if it works, then why not?
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.