FAQ
What is Alien Boy?
A feature-length documentary film about the life and death of James Chasse. The film will be directed by Portland native Brian Lindstrom and produced by members of the Mental Health of Portland.
What’s the film about?
Alien Boy: the Death and Life of James Chasse explores a case of extraordinary police brutality and about an exceptional person who lost his life. It is about the life and death of James Chasse, and about how a city was changed by his life and death.
How will my contribution be used?
The film is in post-production – and most post-production costs will be cover with an in-kind gift of services by Mission Control Inc http://www.missioncontrolinc.com. But some outstanding costs remain, including sound production, original graphical artwork, and film festival submission costs.
Your contribution is tax deductible.
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 settled a civil suit against the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and American Medical Rescue.
What is the Mental Health Association of Portland?
It’s a nonprofit organization which helps people with mental illness and addiction speak up and speak out. Supporters of the Mental Health Association of Portland followed what happened to James Chasse for over four years, curating a vast 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 DONATE button to make a safe and secure donation today.
Or mail a check to:
Alien Boy: the Death and Life of James Chasse
Mental Health Association of Portland
PO Box 3641
Portland, Oregon 97208
Is my donation to making Alien Boy: the Death and Life of James Chasse tax deductible?
Yes. The Mental Health Association of Portland is a 501 C 3 nonprofit organization. Your donation to this organization is tax deductible.