At The Sober Curator, we’re always on the lookout for content that dares to tell the messy, awkward, soul-crushing and soul-redeeming truth about addiction—and recovery. So when we came across the SEED + SPARK campaign for “Turn Off,” an indie short film born from lived experience, fueled by heart, and wrapped in grit and laughter, we knew this one wasn’t just worthy of our attention—it deserves yours too.
What Is “Turn Off”? A Story With Teeth, Heart, and Humor
“Turn Off” is a drama-comedy short set in Atlanta, Georgia, created by writer/director Brent Ogburn, who is not just telling a story—he’s telling his story. Inspired by his own journey through detox and rehab in 2018, this film captures the raw awkwardness and tough love of early recovery through the eyes of Ryan, a blue-collar alcoholic who’s hit his bottom. What unfolds is a narrative that doesn’t romanticize or preach—but instead invites us into the quiet chaos of recovery with characters we feel like we already know.
Picture this: Ryan, stuck in a group therapy circle with his ego bruised and tolerance tested, meets Cal, a veteran of the sober world and a middle-aged hippie with a PhD in cosmic weirdness and hard truths. These two are the beating heart of “Turn Off,” and through their unlikely connection, we laugh, cringe, and maybe even see ourselves a little more clearly.
Real Recovery Is Gritty. And Sometimes Hilarious.
This film doesn’t sugarcoat the rehab experience. It’s gritty. It’s uncomfortable. And yes—sometimes it’s painfully funny. The creators liken its tone to a blend of Beautiful Boy and Loudermilk, striking a balance between harrowing realism and comedic relief. And let’s be real: if you’ve ever sat in a 12-step meeting or attended a rehab art therapy class where someone hot-glued macaroni to a vision board while confessing their darkest secrets, you know that recovery is weird. And healing. And funny. And weirdly healing because it’s funny.
Why Now? Why Georgia? Why This Matters
Georgia ranks high in underage drinking and alcohol-related deaths. These aren’t just stats—they’re wake-up calls. And Brent Ogburn is answering that call with art. “Turn Off” is being filmed in Atlanta this September, and it’s deeply rooted in community and lived experience. Brent got obliterated in Georgia, but he also got sober there. This film is a love letter to the places and people who helped him find his way back to himself.
But let’s not get it twisted: this is not another addiction-porn film. It’s not about glamorizing the spiral or shaming the fall. It’s about what happens after the bottom drops out—the disoriented stumble toward hope, community, and identity.
BOT (left to right): Morgan Honer, Ethan Caldwell, Christopher Beytia Frentzel, Oliva Frasco, Luigi Comba, Nat Reed, Palmer Hope
Meet the Team That’s Bringing It to Life
Behind the lens is a powerhouse indie team with big hearts and serious talent:
- Brent Ogburn (Writer/Director): Atlanta native, storyteller, and film teacher with a passion for raw, honest filmmaking.
- Olivia Frasco (Producer): Emerson College grad with a killer eye for the human experience and a résumé that already includes six short films.
- Luigi Comba (Cinematographer): A trilingual lens whisperer whose work translates emotion into image through light, texture, and stillness.
They’ll be shooting on 16mm film to capture every grain of discomfort and beauty in the rehab experience. Because sometimes, digital just doesn’t cut deep enough.
Why The Sober Curator Is Backing This
We’re not just curators of sober content—we’re curators of culture. And “Turn Off” is cultural storytelling at its finest. It embodies everything we champion: authenticity, recovery, resilience, and a good ol’ inappropriate laugh when you least expect it.
If you’ve ever felt like the only sober person in the room—or the weirdest one in group therapy—this film is for you. If you believe stories can change lives, this film is for you. If you’re just here for a great indie flick with killer dialogue and emotional punch—well, you guessed it. This film is for you, too.
Here’s How You Can Help
???? Follow the campaign on SEED + SPARK
???? Pledge your support (every dollar goes toward fair pay and top-tier storytelling)
???? Share the campaign like it’s the latest meme about drinking kombucha out of a champagne glass and follow @turnoffshortfilm
We have 30 days to help this project hit 80% funding and move toward the finish line. Let’s help bring this important—and entertaining—recovery story to life.
Let’s redefine what sobriety looks like on screen.
Let’s turn off the shame. And turn up the truth.
Lights out on the old narrative. Lights up on something real.
— AB (*that’s me), The Sober Curator
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: is your go-to guide for films and documentaries that intricately weave addiction, recovery, and mental health into powerful storytelling. Think of us as your bee-zy movie critics, curating a hive of must-watch titles that inspire, educate, and spark conversation.
Our review archives are neatly organized into Drama, Dramedy, and Documentary categories, making it easy to find your next captivating watch. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartfelt indie, a laugh-through-the-tears comedy, or a thought-provoking doc, we’ve got you covered.
THE MINDFUL BINGE at The Sober Curator is where we binge-watch and chill—mindfully. In this TV series review section, we don’t just consume shows; we explore their stories, themes, and cultural impact through a sober lens. Using our signature Sobees Scoring System, we rate each pick to help you choose your next watch with intention.
Our digital shelves are neatly organized into Drama, Dramedy, and Reality, making it easy to find your perfect series for a night in.
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.
Follow The Sober Curator on X, the artist formerly known as Twitter
