The Reel Recovery Film Festival returns to Los Angeles, California, October 26-30, 2010 before dropping by Nashville, Tennessee, December 15-16, 2010. The festival is unique in its focus on drug and alcohol addiction and recovery, and their portrayal in cinema and the honest conversation that can then occur.
From the official press release:
On the heels of a groundbreaking 2009 event, Writers In Treatment (www.writersintreatment.org) is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of the REEL RECOVERY FILM FESTIVAL. Oct. 26-30, in Los Angeles. Dec 15-16 in Nashville.
Whether you are a novelist, screenwriter, cinefile, addict or the other 2% of the population, this year’s REEL RECOVERY FILM FESTIVAL will not only change the way attendees view addiction and recovery, but also will identify and celebrate some of the creative minds that are currently redefining how the masses can learn and grow from addiction and recovery. Leave your anonymity at the door and be prepared to share an honest experience with a healthy mix of entertainment icons, addiction and recovery experts, top therapists and total strangers with one thing in common – an appreciation for the journey through addiction and the lessons learned as a result.
While last year’s festival left an indelible mark on the community by featuring a rare opportunity to hear both Ben Stiller and Jerry Stahl discuss “Permanent Midnight”, this year’s festival will be taking things a bit further by featuring four New York City biopic classics (“Pollack,” “Basquiat,” “Basketball Diaries” and “Ciao! Manhattan”) with several surprise guests set to participate in post-screening discussions. Packed with various perspectives and vastly differing schools of thought, these discussions are certain to get to the core of the topic and not safely dance around the issues. It is this sometimes uncomfortable dynamic which ensures an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance.
The Betty Ford Center is hosting OPENING NIGHT on Tuesday, Oct. 26th with a 25th Anniversary screening of the “The Honour of All”, the extraordinary film about the Alkali Lake Indian Tribe in British Columbia, Canada. The film shows how a reservation suffering a 100% alcoholism rate, then achieves an 80% sobriety rate which they have maintained to this day. Elders from Alkali Lake will be present and lead a traditional drum circle ceremony around several square blocks in Hollywood, CA.
SPECIAL screening of the 2002 cult classic, “SHUT YER DIRTY LITTLE MOUTH!” to honor author and film star, Glenn Shadix. (April 15, 1952 – Sept. 7, 2010)
During my visit to Alkali Lake, B.C. last week, I was informed of the 4 community members who will attend the 2nd Annual Reel Recovery Film Festival for opening night on October 26th. Arthur Dick, past Alkali Lake Chief, film production manager and actor; Charlene Belleau, previous Alkali Lake Chief, film actor and organizer of the 1985 International Conference held at Alkali Lake. This conference was filmed and became Part Three of the three-part series entitled, “The Honour of All.” Also attending will be Freddy Johnson, one of the leading actors from the movie, and Tahnyea Robbins, one of the child actors. They are all great representatives of the film, “The Honour of All” as well as the current Alkali Lake community.