Launch of the 2nd Recovery Street Film Festival: ‘My Story’

Following a successful first year in 2014, the 2nd Recovery Street Film Festival is launched today, with the theme ‘My Story’. It is a competition for people to tell their stories through film of how they achieved recovery from substance dependence.

A judging panel of film industry experts will be selecting short 3-minute films to feature at ‘pop-up’ street cinemas. These will appear at a planned series of Recovery Street Film Festival events around the country in September, where the best films will be shown to the public to challenge traditional views about overcoming addiction.

Last year’s competition included some very high quality entries illustrating the impact addiction can have on individuals and how those around them can be affected. The competition is open to anyone, regardless of their skill in film making. The group or individual making the winning film, chosen by the judges, will receive £1,000 worth of film-related prizes.

The theme of the Recovery Street Film Festival 2015 is ‘My Story’, which offers an opportunity for those who have experienced issues with drugs or alcohol to tell their stories through film. The films from the 2014 competition highlighted how those who have experienced dependency can achieve recovery, restoring ties to family, finding new friends, a stable home and employment and training opportunities.

The Festival has been organised by a partnership of drug and alcohol treatment providers and charities including: Angelus Foundation, Phoenix Futures, Turning Point, Action on Addiction, CRI, Addaction and Blenheim CDP.

The competition will run from 5 May until 20 July with films shown 12-26 September 2015 around the UK. Qualifying films, including those not selected by the judges for the festival, will also be available to watch and share on http://www.recoverystreetfilmfestival.co.uk

Founder of the Amy Winehouse Foundation Mitch Winehouse backed the competition: “I am delighted to lend my support for this year’s Film Festival. Last year was an outstanding success and I am confident this year’s will also include some extremely inspirational stories. Film is probably the best medium to get those important messages across to the public about people overcoming the misuse of substances, including legal highs but particularly alcohol. We need to challenge those misconceptions about addiction and see how people who have pieced together their lives deserve respect like everyone else.”