What is Alien Boy?
A feature-length documentary film made for theatrical release about the
life and death of James Chasse. The film will be directed by Portland
native Brian Lindstrom and produced by the Mental Health of Portland.
What's the film about?
Alien Boy is about the life and death of James Chasse, and about how a city was changed by his life and death.
How will my donation be used?
Alien Boy has a complete budget available for download. Shooting will begin in June 2008. We plan to have Alien Boy at film festivals in the Spring of 2009.
Alien Boy is the sole
financial project for the Mental Health Association of Portland for
2008. All donors will be sent regular financial updates by the
producers via email.
Who wrote the song "Alien Boy"?After James' death,
Greg Sage of the seminal punk band The Wipers wrote on his web site,
"Jim Jim's conversations with me and his powerful sense of vision
painted uncanny, powerful visions in my head that became a huge
influence for a few songs that were later recorded for the album, Is This Real?
Who was James Chasse?
James Chasse was a lifelong resident of Portland, Oregon who became the
center of a public controversy around his death at the hands of three
law officers in Portland Oregon. James was a blossoming poet, artist,
and musician when his career was cut short by schizophrenia.
What happened to the officers who beat James Chasse?
Nothing. Without a grand jury indictment, the City and County who
employ the officers declined to individually terminate or disciple the
officers. All three are back on duty.
What has changed since James Chasse's death?
James' death had an abrupt and significant effect on the Portland
Police Bureau, the Multnomah County Sheriff's office, City Hall,
Portland's public mental health service providers, and also his
friends, neighbors and family members.
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is brain disorder distinguished by a variety of symptoms.
It often blooms after adolescence, and is somewhat recognizable by
psychiatric symptoms. People with schizophrenia often struggle to
communicate their thoughts and feelings, and often are unable to adapt
and thrive in social situations. Schizophrenia is somewhat treatable
but expensive to treat, so many people with the illness go without
treatment or go without sufficient treatment.
Where was James' family? What are they doing now?
Critics have asked why James' family did not intercede on his behalf.
The truth is James was 42 years old and had lived away from his family
for over twenty years. His family remained very engaged with James,
helped him constantly, and knew a great deal about his illness and that
he received constant and professional care from doctors, nurses and
caregivers within the community mental health system.
The Chasse family has filed a civil suit against the City of Portland,
Multnomah County, and American Medical Rescue. The suit is scheduled to
go to trial in December of 2008.
What is the Mental Health Association of Portland?
It's a nonprofit organization that helps people with mental illness and
addiction speak up and speak out. Supporters of the Mental health
Association of Portland have been following what happened to James
Chasse for over 16 months, curating a archive of all information about
James Chasse, hosting a memorial for James which was attended by over
500 people, and providing hundreds of interviews for stakeholders,
students, the media and others.
The Mental Health Association of Portland receives no funding from the
government, maintains no offices, staff or expensive infrastructure.
One hundred percent of all donations during 2008 go toward the
production of Alien Boy.
How can I help?
The greatest need is for cash donations for the production costs of Alien Boy.
Click the yellow DONATE button to make a safe and secure donation today.
Or mail a check to
Alien Boy
Tell you friends and colleagues about this film project and forward them this web site.
Mental Health Association of Portland
PO Box 3641
Portland, Oregon 97208
Read the blog and follow the creation of this important documentary film.
Is my donation to making Alien Boy tax deductible?
Yes. The Mental Health Association of Portland is a 501 C 3 nonprofit
organization. Your donation to this organization is tax deductible.