TELL YOUR STORY
The judges will be looking for the most original and imaginative approaches to illustrating the‘ creative healing’ theme, and entries can be fiction, documentary, animation or personal stories.‘ The message that we want the films to convey is one of positivity and hope – recovery from drug and alcohol use is possible and is happening all around us,’ says RSFF.
Online‘ recovery film lab’ sessions will also be available for people interested in taking
abstinent before receiving any mental health treatment – the conditions are‘ deeply connected and must be treated together, at the same time’, she stresses.
‘ I believe everyone’ s recovery journey is different,’ she says.‘ There are a variety of methods and treatment choices – it’ s up to the individual to find what works for them. I know that recovery is possible, because I’ m alive to live it every day.’
It’ s this belief that also underpins her vision for the festival.‘ This is a festival for the whole of the UK, and for anyone whose life has been touched by drug or alcohol use,’ she says.‘ That includes individuals in recovery, family members, friends, and professionals. Everyone’ s story matters, and everyone should feel welcome. At its core, this festival is about education, awareness, and connection.’
Recovery is often misunderstood, she says,‘ and I want to help demystify it. What does it look like in real life? How is it achieved, and how does it evolve? Through bold, personal storytelling and
part, guiding participants through the entire process from brainstorming ideas to shaping personal stories and exploring different genres.
‘ We’ re looking for people who want to tell their story in an innovative and creative way,’ RSFF states.‘ You don’ t need to be an expert filmmaker or know any nifty editing tricks. Whether you’ re making your film with professional kit or the camera on an old phone, the powerful bit is the story.’
the creative power of film – across genres, styles, and voices – we can open minds, ignite conversations, and stir imaginations. I want to nurture emerging talent, nurture new voices, and give people in recovery a platform to express their truth.’
One of her biggest hopes is to see lived experience filmmakers collaborating with others in the recovery community, she says –‘ supporting individuals and groups to tell their stories on screen. My dream is to see independent creative hubs across the UK, where people with lived experience come together, learn from one another, share filmmaking skills, and create raw, powerful, dynamic films that reflect the richness and diversity of our recovery journeys and beyond. This is more than a festival. It’ s a movement – one rooted in honesty, creativity, truth and hope. Join us!’
Meet the RSFF team and see last year’ s winning films at the DDN Conference on 10 July
Born and raised in Camden, Maddie Kitchen has a BA in media studies from Westminster University, specialising in TV production. She is also a graduate of the School for Social Entrepreneurs and a fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.
With a career spanning broadcast news, charity media, and independent filmmaking, she’ s worked with organisations including ITN and the Media Trust and as a freelance producer / director for on Channel 4, ITV Anglia and Channel 5. Her short films have been shown at international festivals including the Reel Recovery Film Festival( USA) and the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival.
Maddie has also served as a film judge for both the Athens Short Film Festival and the Dublin Independent Film Festival. She is the founder of Sobriety Films UK and is creative director of RSFF.
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