About the Festival
For over 10 years The Recovery Street Film Festival has been inviting entries from amateur filmmakers who have lived experience of being affected by alcohol and other drug use, to show audiences the reality of their experiences.
From its early days of organising screenings in public places, community spaces and literally out on the street, the festival has grown to become a national event with entries being viewed over a million times
Using the medium of film, we aim to centre and nurture the voices of people who have been directly and personally impacted by substance use. Our mission is to amplify and explore intersecting and individual experiences and demonstrate the diverse issues that are faced by people affected by substance use and how this can also impact the people around them.
Film entries often show the reality of alcohol and other drug use: one that shows a true picture of the stigma and discrimination that people with lived experience often face, the unbearable pain of losing a loved one and the determination and commitment that is required to reach out for support.
Conversely, the films often speak to the strength and power of the communities that people have built around them. They are a testament to transformation and a celebration of hope, authenticity, and courage.
The festival is run and managed by a cross-sector organising group. It opens for entries in March each year, and judging takes place between August and September.
“When I first heard about the Recovery Street Film Festival in 2017, I was volunteering at Camden NHS Drug Service facilitating filmmaking workshops with the service users who were contributing their films.
Having been in recovery from alcohol dependence since 2006 and a filmmaker by trade, I couldn’t believe what an incredibly empowering and inspiring idea it was - to invite people from around the country in recovery to make their own short film about their lived experience and journey.
Apart from being stigma busting, the RSFF gave a voice to a completely under represented group in addiction recovery.
I’ve benefited greatly from the power of healing through film and creativity in my own journey and witnessing this in action and meeting people who have benefited from the Recovery Street Film Festival over the last few years has been truly life affirming.”