Writers In Treatment is proud to present The REEL Recovery Film Festival. This multi-day event is a celebration of film, the arts, writing and creativity. They showcase filmmakers who make honest films about addiction, alcoholism, behavioral disorders, treatment and recovery. Slated for screening is an eclectic lineup of contemporary and classic films, documentaries and shorts from American and international, first-time filmmakers and industry veterans.
The Reel Recovery Film Festival is produced by Writers in Treatment. Leonard Buschel co-founded this festival with his long-time friend, Robert Downey, Sr. Their goal was to create cultural events that celebrate recovery and reduce the stigma associated with the medical conditions of dependence and addiction. Thereby sharing the message of recovery through film.
If this festival sounds familiar, it’s because The Sober Curator covered the free, virtual version produced in 2021. You can read that article HERE. Back on the BIG SCREEN and IN-PERSON, you can attend this event October 21 – 27, 2022, at the Laemmle NoHo Cinema in North Hollywood. Over 80 films will be screened at this year’s festival. Go for a scroll below and check out a few trailers of films being showcased, including a promo video mash-up that gives you a glimpse at what’s in store.
Check out the REEL Recovery Film Festival 1st animated promo video.
Heroin(e) in Love
Heroin(e) in Love: A love story beyond reasonable proportions
Do Over
Do Over: This remarkable feature film covering the taboo topic of alcoholism in India will be shown at the REEL Recovery Film Festival in North Hollywood October 21-27th. The film will be followed by a question and answer with filmmakers and cast flying in from Chennai, India.
Heavy: A Tale of Two Junkies
Heavy: A Tale of Two Junkies: Director’s statement – Heavy isn’t just about two heroin addicts walking around Brooklyn, it’s about the systemic issues that surround the everyday lives of people who are inflicted with this sickness. Having grown up in a part of the country where drug use is prominent, these subjects are extremely important to me. The American Drug War and the way Addicts are portrayed in media in particular are the main issues these marginalized people face.
Phone Gal
Phone Gal: Laura Lewis-Barr is an award-winning stop-motion filmmaker and educator. Laura’s focus is on animating fairy tales and mythic stories that feed the soul. She is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, and Michael Meade. Laura’s films are made in her basement in Chicago. Her screening events are filled with heart and questions for the soul. Phone Gal can be seen October 21st – 27th at the REEL Recovery Film Festival in Los Angeles, more info at www.reelrecoveryfilmfestival.org
Scenes from the 14th REEL Recovery Film Festival
Scenes from the 14th REEL Recovery Film Festival: Trailer created by Michaela Baxter showing just a few of the 80 films to be shown at the 14th REEL Recovery Film Festival in Los Angeles
MOVIE NIGHT WITH THE SOBER CURATOR: Since you’re not binging on alcohol and drugs anymore, you’re going to need other activities to fill your time. This section brings you the movies and documentaries that The Sober Curator recommends.
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.