There’s only one thing The Sober Curator LOVES more than good recovery content. And it’s FREE good recovery content. Our goal in shining the Sober Spotlight on people making a difference and curating recovery-related podcasts, QuitLit, mocktails, music, events, and movies is to smash the stigma surrounding addiction. We want to prove that life in sobriety is fun, rewarding, and never boring. This is why we want to make sure you know about The FREE 2021 Virtual Reel Recovery Film Festival. And introduce you to its producers, Writers in Treatment. Two great resources for recovery content!

Founded by Leonard Buschel, Writers in Treatment shares The Sober Curator’s goal to help smash the stigma. Buschel partnered with Robert Downey, Sr., to create the festival in 2008. Their mission is to increase awareness of and reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism, addiction, and mental illness through the use of film. Overdoses are increasing at an alarming rate. WIT believes we must use every avenue possible to send a clear message that recovery is possible. Unfortunately, Robert Downey Sr, a filmmaker, actor, director, and VP of The Real Recovery Film Festival, passed away in July of this year. However, his legacy lives on through the festival, which is still going on strong in year thirteen.

Grab the Popcorn and the Mocktails for an Exciting Movie Night In

The REEL Recovery Film Festival is a multi-day event that is a celebration of film, the arts, writing, and creativity. The festival showcases filmmakers who make honest films about addiction, alcoholism & behavioral disorders. Sign up to watch FREE FILMS HERE. Once you sign up, you will receive an all-access pass to stream content starting Nov 5, 2021. There are also instructions for how to watch and on which streaming platforms. Films start Friday, 11/5, ONLINE EVERYWHERE! 80 features, shorts, and docs for FREE or small donation, which goes to support Writers In Treatment initiatives. Feature films include Bobbi Jo, which we loved, Balcony, The Wisdom Trauma, and so many more.

About Writers In Treatment

Writers in Treatment helps increase awareness about the prevalence of substance abuse and mental illness in society and reduce stigma through honest and open expression. In concert with the Reel Recovery Film Festival, Writers in Treatment presents cultural events that seek to expand the recovery community and open hearts and minds to the creative spark in every individual.

Rebuilding one’s life need not be a solitary effort, and WIT aims to provide opportunities for individuals suffering from addictive disorders to continue to take steps toward recovery. It’s important for people in and on the cusp of recovery to have entertaining and culturally stimulating events that inspire enthusiasm for clean and sober living. In addition to assisting people in getting clean and sober through connection and collaboration with top treatment centers in the U.S., Writers In Treatment has given away thousands of tickets to individuals in treatment centers and sober living. All are welcome and encouraged to come.

WIT also honors celebrities who write about their journey from addiction to recovery through The Experience Strength and Hope Awards. The annual event, which takes place in March, is one of the most anticipated recovery events of the year. You can check these out here.

Stay Connected with The Reel Recovery Film Festival

You can learn more about The Reel Recovery Film Festival online and on Facebook.

THE PG-13 SINGAPORE SLING

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup mango juice
1/2 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
8-12 ounces of tonic water
4 sprigs of mint

DIRECTIONS:

Combine juices in a pitcher filled with ice and stir until cold. Divide among 4 Collins glasses filled with crushed ice and add 2–3 oz. tonic water to each. Garnish with mint sprigs. Enjoy!

A Disco Ball is Hundreds of Pieces of Broken Glass, Put Together to Make a Magical Ball of Light. You are NOT Broken, Friend. You are a DISCO BALL!

Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.