“Stay Awake” premiered at the recent Sedona International Film Festival where it played to rave audience reviews and high audience choice ratings.
Brothers Ethan (17) and Derek (19) try their best to navigate the pressures of teenage life while tending to their mother’s debilitating prescription drug addiction.
Based on the filmmaker’s adolescence in small-town America, “Stay Awake” is a personal exploration of the roller coaster ride that families go on while trying to help their loved ones battle a disease that affects millions every day.
The Hollywood Reporter calls the film “a crowd-pleasing dramedy”, and Variety says it is “especially resonant given the recent representation of America’s drug crisis.”
"Jamie Sisley’s first narrative feature is an evocative portrait with a unique focus: those who love the addict, rather than the addict themselves." — We Love Cinema
“'Stay Awake' is a powerful, honest film that is filled with truth without being overly sentimental. Jamie Sisley has found a balance that not only works but also allows the audience to really connect and understand who this family is.” — The New Current