When Brent Ogburn joined us on The Sober Curator podcast, he talked openly about channeling his personal recovery journey into his creative work. Now, his short film Turn Off is proof that those conversations matter.
The film opens with a quote from the Big Book, page 17: “The feeling we have shared in a common peril is the element in the powerful cement that binds us.” And that line sets the tone for everything that follows.
Turn Off is simple yet poignant in its delivery. We follow Jones through just one part of his first day at a treatment center, surrounded by a small group of men navigating the same uncertain terrain. There are no dramatic monologues or Hollywood redemption arcs. Instead, Ogburn gives us a glimpse. A slice. And that restraint is what makes it hit so hard.
Shot in Atlanta with a local indie team, the film just had its cast, crew, and friends screening at Ours Studios in Decatur, GA, where the room reportedly filled with laughter, uncomfortable silences, and exactly the kind of conversations that remind you why storytelling in recovery matters.
“This film is about the process of healing,” Ogburn shared. “But it’s also about community.”
We couldn’t agree more. Turn Off is now gearing up for its festival run, and we’ll be cheering it on every step of the way.
Listen to our full conversation with Brent on The Sober Curator podcast and learn more about the film’s journey here.
TURN OFF
A short film by Brent Ogburn
When an alcoholic wakes up in rehab, he discovers healing begins by facing his worst enemy, himself.
The film follows Ryan, a 30 something alcoholic, as he faces his current reality and his past while navigating daily life in rehab. We’re introduced to the characters surrounding him, including one eccentric middle-aged hippie, Cal. Ryan frequently finds himself outside his comfort zone, disgusted with the weirdos in the place and thrust into sharing some of his story with the group. Ultimately he must make a decision: participate in healing practices and risk the fear of self-discovery, or abstain and prolong his healing process.
Photo Gallery from Turn Off Screening
Brent Ogburn (writer/director/co-star) 
Left to right Nat Reed (Production Designer) Brent Ogburn (writer/director/co-star) Luigi Comba (Cinematographer) 
Left to right Brent Ogburn (writer/director/co-star) Olivia Frasco (producer) Luigi Comba (Cinematographer) Nat Reed (Production Designer) 
Brent Ogburn (writer/director/co-star)
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