About the Film:
Recovery City offers an unfiltered, first-person exploration of what it truly means to be in recovery, seen through the eyes of four courageous women living in Worcester, Massachusetts. Christine fights to regain custody of her children while confronting past trauma. Bridget, who found recovery while incarcerated, now leads peer-run support groups. Meanwhile, recovery coaches Janis and Rebecca work the streets, offering support, hope, and often life-saving interventions.
Filmed with an intimate, immersive style, Recovery City captures not only the struggles but also the victories — showing that recovery is not a final destination, but an ongoing, gritty, and deeply human journey. This documentary dismantles preconceived notions about addiction and recovery, presenting working-class women fighting to rebuild their lives with extraordinary strength and dignity.
Recovery City Trailer
Director’s Vision:
Lisa Olivieri approached Recovery City with a raw, cinema verité lens — no voice-overs, no traditional interviews, no distance. Her intimate filming style, built on deep trust with her subjects, allows viewers to experience the women’s anxiety, hope, and resilience as if standing beside them.
“Many recovery stories we’ve seen end when the person proclaims their sobriety,” Olivieri says. “In fact, this is when the hard work of recovery actually begins.” Through direct, visceral footage — from support group meetings to street outreach and family court battles — Recovery City captures not just sobriety, but the rebuilding of lives after addiction, trauma, and stigma.
Olivieri honors the enormous trust her subjects placed in her, offering their stories in the dignified, authentic voice they deserve. In doing so, Recovery City sheds light on the realities faced by women in recovery — realities often hidden from view — and reminds us all of the enduring strength found within community and connection.
About the Filmmaker:
Lisa Olivieri is an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for her fearless ability to capture raw, emotional human stories. Her first film, Blindsided, chronicled the life of an artist losing her sight and hearing while surviving an abusive relationship, earning national acclaim and several awards, including the Artistic Achievement Award in Directing from qFLIX Worcester and the Jury Award for Best Documentary from The Women’s Film Festival in Philadelphia. Now on tour with her second feature, Recovery City, Olivieri continues her mission to amplify the voices of those often left unheard.
The Sobees Documentary Score: 4 out of 5
About King County Recovery Coalition (KCRC):
The King County Recovery Coalition and Snohomish County Recovery Coalition are regional movements under the Washington Recovery Alliance, dedicated to advancing substance use recovery and mental wellness. Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, KCRC works to change public perceptions of behavioral health, promote pro-recovery policies, and empower individuals in recovery to drive change.
Because we do recover — and we are the proof.
SOBER IN SEATTLE: Let’s Play Ball! Recovery Day at the Mariners, September 14th
SOBER IN SEATTLE: Get ready to dive into Seattle’s sober scene—where zero-proof and sober-curious vibes are as iconic as our city’s Space Needle! We’re your go-to guide for all the coolest spots to enjoy elevated, alcohol-free experiences. Picture this: vibrant venues where unforgettable moments happen, from chic NA bottle shops to electrifying recovery game nights with the Seahawks or Mariners. Our community is shaking up social norms and turning wellness-focused lifestyles into a new trend.
Whether you’re a Seattle native, just passing through, or somewhere in between, everyone’s welcome to raise their glass—without the booze. Discover why Seattle’s sober scene is as refreshing as a sunrise over the Puget Sound. Trust us, you’re in for an amazing time!
Got an event, product, restaurant, experience, or story rooted in the Emerald City? We’re all ears! Drop us a line at thesobercurator@gmail.com or slide into our DMs on social media.
SOBERSCRIBE NOW!
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.
