By Maddie Kitchen, Creative Director

On Saturday 27 September, I had the absolute privilege of standing on stage at the London Screen Academy, looking out at almost 200 people who had come together for the 2025 Recovery Street Film Festival. Filmmakers, families, friends, recovery organisations – all gathered to celebrate stories of creativity, courage and healing. It was one of those days that reminded me exactly why this festival exists.

Our theme this year was “Creative Healing.” We received 40 submissions from across the UK and beyond – each one deeply personal, brave and full of heart. Narrowing that down to 15 shortlisted films was hard enough; choosing the winners was even harder, I’m glad I’m not a judge! Every story deserved to be seen and celebrated.

In the end, we had two joint winners:

The Light Side by Lucy Rocca & David McCollom, telling the inspiring journey of a woman who overcame alcohol addiction through writing – publishing five books in just three years – and founding the online Soberistas community.

Sons of Jericho by Laura Roberts & Alex Black, a joyful celebration of five men who met in rehab, formed a rock band, and proved that recovery is not just about survival – it can be fun, creative and full of life.

Our runner-up, REACH by Kayleigh Gibbons, left a deep impression on so many of us. Through animation, Kayleigh captured the isolation of addiction and the courage it takes to reach out for help. It was simple, powerful and utterly moving.

The ceremony itself was unforgettable. Our host, actor Jason Flemyng, has supported RSFF for many years and spoke with honesty about his family’s experience of alcoholism. We were treated to entertainment from James Redmond, who used humour and honesty to share his own recovery story, and The Detox Factor, a fantastic band of people in recovery from Stafford, who lifted the room with their music. Awards were presented by Dr James Ohene-Djan of Goldsmiths University, who has long championed the value of creative storytelling. The after party by Sober Events UK got us all on our dancing feet.

One of the things I love most about RSFF is that it’s not just one event. Alongside the London ceremony, we held screenings at drug and alcohol services across the country and hosted a special pre-ceremony event at the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley. For me, this is what the festival is all about: making sure these stories reach as many people as possible.

As I stood there on Saturday, I was reminded once again that recovery is not something to hide. It’s something to be proud of. These films don’t just tell stories – they give voice to experiences that too often go unheard. They remind us that recovery is possible, creative and full of hope.

I am so proud of everyone who submitted their work this year, and deeply grateful to our partners – Adfam, Phoenix Futures, Project 6, Turning Point and WayThrough – as well as Islington Council Public Health for their support in making RSFF 2025 a reality.

A huge thank you also to our brilliant stewards team from Sobriety Films UK and our fantastic film crew – Cameron, Sushi, Sam – and photographer Daniel. We’ve got some fantastic footage to create some great memories – watch this space !!

If you couldn’t be with us on the day, please take some time to watch our winners online. I promise you’ll be moved:

REACH https://youtu.be/Dlcedx533e0?si=e2bHf0vMZNNEiGyJ

Sons of Jericho https://youtu.be/pT6yUO0oBgM?si=UPe_8zGVEGOKH7nz

The Light Side https://youtu.be/7a8kSn4rjgg?si=R6r0IxFvTklt7HZk

Here’s to another year of stories, creativity and community. Thank you to everyone who continues to make this festival such a powerful celebration of recovery.

With love and gratitude,

Maddie