REEL Recovery Film Festival - San Francisco 2014 - Highlights
Channel: Alcohol Justice - The Industry Watchdog
Date: 16/10/2014

Alcohol Justice & Writers In Treatment presented the first REEL Recovery Film Festival - San Francisco Bay Area April 24-27, 2014. 

Over four days, in two venues, they presented 33 films including 3 world premieres and conducted engaging expert panel discussions after most films. 

The REEL Recovery Film Festival is an important public health and wellness initiative that:

• Heightened public awareness about the devastating disease of alcoholism and drug addiction and the fact that it is not a moral failing but a disease that requires specialized treatment.  

• Honestly looked at the disease’s impact on not only those so afflicted but also their families and friends.

•  Demonstrated the opportunity and hope of recovery as well as the professional resources available.  

It is a truism that the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction is cunning, baffling, powerful and, if left untreated, ultimately fatal. This disease has impacted far too many Bay Area residents and their loved ones, especially our youth. In this regard, the REEL Recovery Film Festival provided many "teachable moments".    

Some of the more impressive films were:
• "Behind the Orange Curtain", a documentary about the prescription pill crisis among youth in Orange County, the demographics of which are not dissimilar to many Bay Area communities.

• "On Life's Terms: Mothers in Recovery”, about formerly homeless and addicted mothers served by Center Point in San Rafael that are now in recovery and reunited with their children. 

• "Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor", an inspiring look at one of college football's great running backs, a 3-time All American who played at Michigan and his rise then fall and battles with alcoholism, substance misuse, incarceration, homelessness and Billy's dogged fight to recover, health, faith and family.
We were fortunate to have personal appearances of some of the documentary subjects like Dr. Billy Taylor; a formerly addicted woman from Center Point who is now in recovery and has been able to regain custody of her children; a Marin mother who lost her daughter to drug overdose; clinicians from alcohol and drug treatment centers and other local experts in the recovery field. 

The REEL Recovery Film Festival measurably contributed to helping Alcohol Justice create a better understanding about the disease of alcoholism and addiction, the hope and opportunities for recovery and the need for public policy change and prevention, especially among our youth.