Longest Recovery Event In U.S. Kicks Off Los Angeles Edition

Recovering Addicts and Alcoholics Have Their Own Film Festival

REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium Begins 7-Day Run at Laemmle NoHo Cinema, Friday, October 23, 2015

News provided by

Alcohol Justice

Oct 22, 2015, 10:52 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Los Angeles based Writers In Treatment announces an exciting, feature-packed schedule of events for the 7th Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival – Los Angeles Edition 2015. The seven-day festival at Laemmle NoHo Cinema (5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601) will present a fascinating line-up of feature-length and short, fictional and factual alcohol and drug addiction themed films that highlight serious substance misuse as well as the hope and opportunity for recovery. There will be insightful conversations with recovery authors and engaging discussions with filmmakers following many of the screenings.

"For seven yearsthe REEL Recovery Film Festival has enjoyed generous support from Los Angeles area people who appreciate the power of film to explore a multitude of addiction issues," stated Leonard Buschel, founder of Writers In Treatment and the REEL Recovery Film Festival.  "But the L.A. audience also likes a good night out so we will entertain, inspire and educate over 3,000 of them with timely films and stimulating discussions to reduce the stigma, and raise public awareness that addiction is not a moral failing but a devastating, often-fatal illness which requires specialized treatment."

HIGHLIGHTS of this year's film festival and symposium include:

Oct. 23 – 8 PM Nicole Boxer, award-winning producer/director will present in-person her inspiring documentary How I Got Over. The film follows 15 formerly homeless/and or incarcerated women living in N Street Village - a community for addiction recovery – as they craft an original play based on their harrowing true-life stories.

Oct. 24 – 8 PM AMY (2015) This AMAZING FILM from BAFTA Award-winning director Asif Kapadia (Senna), tells the incredible story of six-time Grammy-winner Amy Winehouse – in her own words. Featuring extensive unseen archival footage and previously unheard tracks, this strikingly modern, moving and vital film shines a light on our culture and the world we live in today.

Oct. 25 – 8:15 PM AS I AM: The Life And Times Of DJ AM is a compelling feature-length documentary from director Kevin Kerslake which covers the late, great mash-up pioneer's entire life from seed to sorrow: his meteoric rise to become the first million dollar DJ in the U.S., his storied personal life including a long-running struggle with addiction, titanic efforts to help others in recovery, his tabloid romances as well as his survival from a fiery plane crash with Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker, which is all a lead-up to his controversial and untimely death in 2009.

Oct. 26 – 8 PM Girl on the Edge (2014) A powerful, true story about the journey of a troubled teenage girl who finds healing in the most unlikely of places, and who must choose to either invest in her own recovery or succumb to the trauma of her past. Starring Taylor Spreitler, Gil Bellows, Peter Coyote and Mackenzie Phillips. Director Jay Silverman.  IN PERSON: Jay Silverman and guests.

Oct. 27 - 8:00 PM — AfterParty Magazine Story Telling Time – Sober Sex for Beginners
The women of AfterParty Chat tell poignant and often hilarious stories about their experiences RE: Sex and Sobriety. You won't want to miss this!  STARRING Danielle Stewart – Mary Patterson Broome – Susanna Brisk and your Mistress of Ceremony, ANNA DAVID (TICKETS AVAILABLE @ www.brownpapertickets.com)

Oct. 28 8:30 PM — Imperfect Sky – Los Angeles Premiere (2015) Torn apart during adolescence, estranged brothers reunite: The younger, a 16-year old on the fast track to college with his entire life ahead of him; the older, a 21-year old heroin addict and street hustler who's settled for rock bottom. Starring Blake Scott Lewis and Sam Lucas Smith. Director Graham Streeter. IN PERSON: Graham Streeter, Producer Alex Lebosq, Blake Scott Lewis, Sam Lucas Smith and all cast members

Oct. 29 7:30 PM — SPECIAL CLOSING NIGHT EVENT – LIVE! "SAY EVERYTHING" DR. GABOR MATÉ In Conversation with IONE SKYE A freewheeling discussion about addiction, modern culture, behavioral disorders, preventative health care techniques, Amy Schumer, the Beatles, classical music, safe injection sites, the therapeutic value of pets, literature, films, Rumi and Recovery. Sponsored by RecoveryAS.com.
Reserved seats available to private reception/buffet immediately after "SAY EVERYTHING"
In Conversation 7:30 – 8:45 PM - Buffet 9:00 – 10:00 Salomi Indian Restaurant, 5225 Lankershim Blvd. Individual tickets: "SAY EVERYTHING" $25 Reserved seats and reception / buffet $65. (TICKETS AVAILABLE @ www.brownpapertickets.com)

In addition to the above highlights, a treasure trove of over 40 other great films will be screened, running nearly non-stop from 1 PM to 11 PM for seven days. Such films as Big Sur – a feature film both terrifying and revelatory captures the sudden fame and self-destructive lifestyle taking a toll on Jack Kerouac following the unparalleled success of his groundbreaking novel, On The Road; and Jody Belsher's The Other Side of Cannabis: Negative Effects of Marijuana On Our Youth. For a complete listing of films and special events please go to: www.reelrecoveryfilmfestival.com.

"The7th Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival Los Angeles Edition 2015 presents honest and compelling features, shorts and documentaries about the struggles of addiction, and breakthroughs in recovery," added Buschel.   

Official Sponsors of the7th Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival Los Angeles Edition 2015 currently include:

Net proceeds support the work of Writers In Treatment, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, and the REEL Recovery Film Festival.

Tickets to all films and special sessions are available at the door. It is the policy of the REEL Recovery Film Festival to charge a nominal ticket price for most of the films ($10), and to allow anyone admittance regardless of their ability to pay, if seats are available. For additional information please go to www.WritersInTreatment.org or www.ReelRecoveryFilmFestival.org

Contact: Leonard Buschel 310-767-6970

SOURCE Alcohol Justice

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