The Recovery Street Film Festival (RSFF) now in its 11th year, is a UK-based film festival that showcases powerful short films about recovery from addiction, mental ill health, and trauma. All films are created by, or feature, people with lived experience, offering authentic, personal perspectives on recovery.

More than just a film festival, RSFF is a platform for storytelling, awareness, and connection. It aims to reduce stigma, inspire hope, and highlight the strength and resilience of individuals and communities affected by addiction. Through screenings, workshops, and events, the festival creates space for truth, creativity, and healing.

"I'm thrilled to step into the role of Creative Director for the Recovery Street Film Festival, a position that feels deeply personal and meaningful. As founder of Sobriety Films, a social enterprise launched in 2019 to champion recovery through film, this feels like a full-circle moment.

My journey in recovery began in 2006 after years of alcohol dependence and mental health struggles. Creativity, especially through filmmaking, played a crucial role in rebuilding my self-esteem and purpose. From my first film being shown in LA to contributing to RSFF over the years, storytelling has remained a powerful healing force in my life.

This year’s festival theme, “Creative Healing,” reflects my belief that creativity in all its forms can be transformative. I aim to make the festival more inclusive and bold—embracing diverse formats and voices from across the recovery spectrum.

The Recovery Street Film Festival is about truth, courage, and hope, and I’m honoured to help others share their stories. To those who’ve spoken out and those who are still finding their voice: this space is for you. I look forward to working alongside you this year"

SFUK is proud to be producing a powerful new film, commissioned by Islington Public Health, spotlighting the ‘Women in Recovery Mural Group’ from the NHS treatment provider Better Lives.

Since January, a group of inspiring women in recovery have been collaboratively designing a public mural that will be permanently displayed in Caledonian Park. Their mural is a vibrant expression of healing, resilience, and creativity.

The mural will be officially unveiled on 14th July, with special guests Islington Mayor Jason Jackson and Borough Arts Champion Councillor Claire Zammit joining the celebration.

This event is a heartfelt celebration of women’s creativity in recovery, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.

In production - we’ve just completed filming our powerful new project, Brown Girl in a Bottle, featuring Leicester-based recovery advocate Aunee Bhogaita.

This deeply personal and intimate film follows Aunee’s journey through recovery, exploring the complex themes of stigma and transgenerational trauma within the South Asian community.

Through a raw and emotional retelling, Aunee bravely shares her story — including experiences of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental ill health, suicide attempts, and alcohol addiction — and how she has overcome immense adversity to celebrate five years of sobriety.

It’s a story of resilience, courage, and healing — one that we’re honoured to help bring to the screen.

Creative Healing in Focus: Inside the 2025
Recovery Street Film Festival - a free online seminar for people considering applying.
With Performing Recovery 

Tues 10 June, 5-6pm
• With Maddie Kitchen FRSA Sobriety Films & Lisa Selby

Tickets: https://buytickets.at/
addictionrecoveryartsnetwork/1716713

We're featured in the DDN Magazine under the ‘Creating a Scene’ spread! 

New Creative Director Maddie Kitchen spoke to DDN Magazine about taking RSFF back to the streets and her vision for a UK lived experience, recovery film movement. 💬

Read the article here linked in our bio. 

Meet us at the DDN Conference on the 10th July to talk all things Recovery Street Film Festival

Performing Recovery speaks to Maddie Kitchen of Sobriety Films and the Recovery Street Film Festival. Also featuring music from Rosalie James.

Filmmaker and director Maddie Kitchen of Sobriety Films UK was 19 and clinically depressed and suffering panic attacks. 

At first, alcohol helped relieve her symptoms but years later she found herself suffering a mental breakdown and shaking from alcohol withdrawal every time she tried to stop. 

Maddie finally surrendered and found recovery through filmmaking and fellowship. Maddie shares exactly how she uses the power of creativity and community to help arrest her own and other people's addictions, depression and anxiety. 

Wow, what an episode ❤️ Thank you so much x

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