The Middle Way
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Synopsis: The Middle Way is the story of Jam Alker’s childhood of trauma—abuse, neglect, and abandonment—and how he tried valiantly to overcome it. Through interviews and archival footage, this documentary traces how Alker’s tumultuous upbringing drove him to pursue false idols in adulthood—money, fame, women—until he discovered the ultimate painkiller for wounds both physical and emotional: heroin.
In interviews, Alker, his wife, and his bandmates recount how a new life began for Alker once he surrendered to his addiction—exploring in detail the trauma that was at the root of it. Alker’s journey toward redemption was catalyzed by music, which healed him and helped him find his purpose.
After a life lived in relentless pursuit of self-gratification, Alker discovered that music and his gift for storytelling could create a platform for him to serve and inspire others—and that’s where the magic of true healing lies.
Language
Run Time
Starring
Aimee Alker
Alex Piazza
Ryan Herrick
Terry Byrne
Directed by
Edited by
Brian Hathaway
Composer
Director's Bio
Known for his work on The Watchman’s Canoe (2017) and Finding Freedom (2017), Brian Hathaway has 20 plus years in the film industry. Although he has worked in all aspects of production, his true passion is documentary film-making. With roots in the post-production side of the industry, to him, there is nothing better doing doing docs. For Hathaway, post-production is where a documentary’s story truly unfolds and develops. After working on this project for six months, listening to interviews and talking to Jam, Hathaway checked himself into rehab on the backside of a 27-year addiction to drugs and alcohol. He has been sober since October 2019 and still going strong.