Film festival puts spotlight on recovery from addiction
Films by two Leicester filmmakers will be among 19 to be screened at the Recovery Street Film Festival, a free event which takes place at the Phoenix Cinema and Arts Centre this Saturday (26 September).
It’s the first time Leicester will host the national festival, the only one of its kind dedicated to short films made by people affected by substance use.
The festival is being brought to the city by Sobriety Films, a social enterprise that uses film to raise awareness of recovery, giving a voice to those who have experienced it.
The films will showcase real stories of recovery, highlighting the realities behind addiction and the journeys people take to rebuild their lives. The aim is that showing recovery is possible with support could encourage people to seek help, especially those who feel isolated or unsure about accessing services.
Prizes will be awarded to the best three films, selected by a judging panel, and for the first time a special prize will be awarded to the best film by a young person, aged 16 to 25.
Maddie Kitchen, Creative Director of Recovery Street Film Festival, said:
“We are incredibly excited by the quality and originality of this year's submissions. Having two Leicester filmmakers reach the final is a fantastic achievement for the city and its recovery community.
“Our shortlisted films span rap, animation, interactive gaming, and deeply personal stories, showcasing recovery through a strikingly diverse range of voices. This year's line-up features work from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We are especially moved by the powerful submissions from young filmmakers tackling themes like ketamine use, transphobia, alienation, freedom and creative expression - all competing for our new Young People’s Award.”
The judges will include two members of Leicester’s recovery community - Aunee Bhogaita and Jit Chauhan - bringing their lived experience to the panel.
The screenings will also put a spotlight in a creative way on the many services available to support recovery in Leicester, including Dear Albert, Turning Point Leicester, Spinney Hills Recovery, No.5, and Age Uk.
Free tickets for the festival are available now from the Phoenix Box Office.
The festival is being supported by Leicester City Council’s Public Health team.
It will be opened by Leicester’s Lord Mayor Cllr Kulwinder Singh Johal and presented by actor and director Richard Mylan.
The screening will be followed by a prize-giving ceremony, including an award celebrating young filmmakers aged 16–25.
Audiences are invited to take part in a question and answer session with filmmakers and guests, exploring the stories behind the films and the role creativity can play in recovery.
