Free film festival celebrates recovery and creative healing
Powerful stories of addiction and recovery take centre stage at a free film festival in Islington this month, celebrating lived experience of recovery and creativity.
The Recovery Street Film Festival returns for its 11th year on Saturday 27 September 2025, with an inspiring afternoon of short films, live entertainment, and community celebration at the London Screen Academy on Highbury Grove.
Hosted by acclaimed British actor Jason Flemyng, the festival will showcase the top 15 shortlisted films created by people in recovery. Each film offers a raw and personal insight into addiction, stigma, and healing – highlighting the strength and resilience of those affected.
The event is delivered by Sobriety Films UK and Islington Council, in partnership with leading charities including Phoenix Futures, Adfam, Waythrough, Project 6, and Turning Point.
Councillor Dr Sara Hyde, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Film has a unique power to challenge stigma and reveal the human stories behind addiction and recovery. These stories matter – they inspire change and help build understanding.”
“In Islington, drug and alcohol-related harm remains one of our most urgent public health challenges. That’s why we’re proud to support the Recovery Street Film Festival, which uses creativity as a force for healing and connection.
“By amplifying voices that are too often silenced, this festival helps foster hope and resilience in our communities. We are sincerely grateful to the contributors and organisers of this brilliant event.”
Alongside the screenings, the festival will feature:
- Stand-up comedy from James Redmond (Hollyoaks, Casualty)
- Live music from The Detox Factor, a recovery band from Stafford
- An alcohol-free afterparty hosted by Sober Events UK
Doors open at 1:00pm, with screenings starting at 1:30pm.
Free tickets are available via Eventbrite: The Recovery Street Film Festival 2025 Award Ceremony & Screening Tickets, Sat, Sep 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
The festival will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony, awarding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for their outstanding contributions to this year’s theme: Creative Healing.
One of the shortlisted films captures the production of the Women’s Recovery Mural by the Women’s Group at Better Lives, Islington’s drug and alcohol support service. The mural was unveiled at Cally Park in July 2025.
Powerful new Cally Park mural celebrates women’s recovery | Islington Council News
If you or someone you know is having problems with drugs or alcohol, visit our website or Better Lives for advice and support. Better Lives offer free and confidential treatment and support focusing on physical and mental wellbeing, social connection and long-term recovery.
Notes to editors
- Since December 2023, Islington’s Combatting Drugs Partnership has overseen a robust, multi-agency programme of work to implement the 10-year National Drugs Strategy. The programme reports into the Islington Health and Wellbeing Board – 2024/25 report here.
- The programme has prioritised improving treatment access and treatment quality. Since 2023, the number of adults accessing drug and alcohol support in Islington have consistently increased.
- The Recovery Street Film Festival is a national initiative that uses film to challenge stigma and promote recovery. For press images or further information, contact: Maddie Kitchen FRSA – RSFF Creative Director, 07960 364905, rsfilmfest@gmail.com
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.