The Life - Movie Sun. Sept. 5 at 9pm ET- In the open-air drug market of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, young lives are catapulted into the downward spiraling cycle of addiction and the devastating impact of drugs.

Sex, Drugs and Redemption in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside CTV Original Movie, The Life, Airing September 5

Reality of life on the streets inspires latest Signature Series Movie

 In the open-air drug market of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, young lives are catapulted into the downward spiraling cycle of addiction and the devastating impact of drugs. CTV presents The Life, an original and riveting movie from its provocative Signature Series strand, airing Sun., September 5 at 9 p.m. ET (check local listings). This title marks the first-time co-production between two of Canada's most successful creative talents-Executive Producers Pierre Sarrazin and Chris Haddock.

The Life is the story of those who are killed by the street, those who survive and move on, and those who strive to be part of the solution. Arnie and Tony are two of the dedicated beat cops who bring a bold new experiment to the streets by interacting with and videotaping the drug-addicted residents of Vancouver's Eastside in an attempt to reveal to the addicts the severity of their situation. The stories of the two officers, their colleagues and the addicts all interweave in a fast-paced and compelling narrative. Inspired by real events and life on the street, The Life portrays the depths of caring and stamina that these street officers need in their quest for solutions to the social dilemma of drug addiction. As the officers attempt to intervene and save the lives of the addicts, the relationships and situations that develop are both heart-rending and heart-warming.

Bruce Greenwood (The Magnificent Ambersons, Thirteen Days, The Sweet Hereafter) and Brian Markinson (The Curse of the Jade Scorpion, Sweet and Lowdown) star as The Life's central characters Arnie and Tony, veteran Vancouver beat cops dissatisfied with traditional police department policies in Vancouver's downtown Eastside. Also starring is young Gemini Award-winner Alisen Down (Cold Squad, Mysterious Ways) who gives a stunning performance as drug-addicted Crystal.

"This movie is a compelling addition to our Signature Series," said Susanne Boyce, President of CTV Programming and Chair of the Media Group. "The Life provides dramatic insight into the lives of these addicts, and provides a compassionate perspective on this disenfranchised group."

"This is not standard television movie fare," adds Sarrazin. "It's not a standard police drama where the whole purpose of the plot is to catch the bad guy and put him in jail. What's crucial in the story is the growing understanding and caring on the part of the police towards the addicts."

The message of community in The Life comes through loud and clear. "Skid row is often looked at as transient, but in fact it's very stable," said Haddock, long familiar with the area through his years of film production. "There's a sense of community down there that doesn't exist in other areas of the city. It's a widely varied community with aspects of real, real deep poverty."

The Life is produced by Sarrazin-Couture Entertainment and Haddock Entertainment, in association with CTV. The director is the renowned Lynne Stopkewich (Kissed, Suspicious River) and Executive Producers are Pierre Sarrazin of Sarrazin-Couture Entertainment and Chris Haddock of Haddock Entertainment. Inspired by the documentary Through a Blue Lens, the movie was written by the award-winning team of Chris Haddock and Alan Di Fiore. The Life's Producers are Lynn Barr, Laura Lightbown and Arvi Liimatainen, with David Frazee as Director of Photography, and original musical score composed by Schaun Tozer. Tecca Crosby is CTV's Director of Dramatic Programming. Bill Mustos is Senior Vice-President, Dramatic Programming for CTV. Susanne Boyce is President of Programming and Chair of the CTV Media Group.

The Life is the 13th dramatic title in CTV's Signature Series. Previous titles have enjoyed critical and ratings success. They are (in order) Milgaard; The Sheldon Kennedy Story; Dr. Lucille; Blessed Stranger; Lucky Girl; Stolen Miracle; Tagged: The Jonathan Wamback Story; Fast Food High; Prom Queen; and Sleep Murder. Signature titles still to make their television debut include Selling Innocence; and Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story. Established in 1997, the CTV Signature Series seeks to develop new programming that deals with social issues of national importance.