Competition Information

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Recovery Street Film Festival (RSFF) is a UK-wide film festival showcasing films created by, with, or about people affected by substance use and recovery. This includes individuals, families, friends, professionals, and communities with lived experience.The festival exists to amplify lived experience, reduce stigma, and celebrate storytelling through film.

RSFF is committed to safe, ethical storytelling.We recognise that submissions may include lived experience of trauma, substance use, recovery, and vulnerability.

Recovery Street Film Festival (RSFF) is committed to protecting personal data in accordance with UK GDPR.This website does not process film submissions. All submissions are handled securely via FilmFreeway, which operates its own privacy and data protection systems.

Eligibility

  • Open to entrants across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

  • Films may be created by individuals or organisations

  • Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway only

  • Films may be pre-existing or newly created

Judging

Films are not judged on technical ability but on storytelling and impact.

Judging criteria:

  • Originality of idea

  • Strength of storytelling or communication

  • Connection to the festival theme: *Rewriting the Script**

A shortlist of 15 films will be selected. Winners will be chosen from this shortlist.

Festival Rights

RSFF reserves the right to:

  • Shortlist, screen, or exclude submissions

  • Screen selected films at live or online festival events

  • Use excerpts, stills, and clips for promotional purposes

  • Store selected materials securely for festival administration and archive purposes

Under 18s

Films featuring under 18s must only be submitted where appropriate consent and safeguarding requirements are already in place.RSFF does not collect separate child consent forms. Responsibility sits with the organisation or individual submitting the film.

Media & Public Screening Consent Policy

By submitting a film via FilmFreeway, entrants acknowledge that:

  • Submitted films may be screened publicly at live or online RSFF events

  • Films may be viewed by members of the public

  • RSFF may use stills, excerpts, and clips for promotion, press, and publicity

  • RSFF may store selected materials securely for festival administration and archive purposes.

RSFF will always:

  • Use material respectfully and in context

  • Avoid misrepresentation

  • Prioritise dignity, consent, and safeguarding in all usage

Website Role

The RSFF website acts as an information and communications hub only.

It provides:

  • Festival information

  • Terms and policies

  • Safeguarding guidance

  • Mailing list sign-up

  • Link to FilmFreeway submissions

The website does not collect film submissions or entry data.

Film Withdrawal Policy

You may request to withdraw your film at any time by emailing rsfilmfest@gmail.com with your film title. We recognise consent as ongoing and will handle all requests with care and respect.

Submit Your Film

Film Requirements

  • Maximum length: 3 minutes (1–3 minutes recommended)

  • Must be in English or include English subtitles

  • Must be appropriate for public screening

  • Must comply with copyright law (including music, images, and footage)

  • Must be submitted via a private or unlisted YouTube link through FilmFreeway

  • Must exclude any explicit images of drug & alcohol use

Awards

  • 1st Prize: £250 vouchers

  • 2nd Prize: £150 vouchers

  • 3rd Prize: £100 vouchers

Plus new young person film age 16-25

Safeguarding Principles

  • The safety and dignity of all individuals featured in submitted films is paramount

  • No exploitation, coercion, or non-consensual participation is permitted

  • All films must be suitable for public exhibition

  • Sensitive content must be handled responsibly

Consent Responsibility Model

RSFF operates a two-path safeguarding system:

1. Service / Organisation Submissions
Where films are created through a support service, charity, or organisation:

  • The organisation is responsible for holding all consent and safeguarding documentation internally.

  • The organisation confirms safeguarding compliance during FilmFreeway submission.

RSFF does not collect individual consent forms.

2. Independent Submissions

Where films are submitted by individuals or independent creators:

  • .The submitter is responsible for ensuring full consent for all participants featured

  • This includes any under 18s or vulnerable individuals

  • Submission via FilmFreeway acts as confirmation that all permissions are in place

Data Collection

We only collect personal data if you choose to sign up to our mailing list.

This may include:

  • Email address

  • Name (if provided)

We use mailing list data only to:

  • Share RSFF news and updates

  • Announce festival information and opportunities

  • Communicate future events and screenings

  • We do not sell or share personal data with third parties.

Film submissions

All film submissions are processed exclusively via FilmFreeway.

RSFF does not collect or store submission data through this website.

Please refer to FilmFreeway’s privacy policy for information about how submission data is

handled.

Data storage

  • Mailing list data is stored securely via our email provider

  • Access is limited to authorised RSFF team members only

  • You may unsubscribe at any time

Your rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction or deletion

  • Withdraw consent to communications at any time