FRI.
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SEPTEMBER 23
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Friday, Sept. 23
OPENING RECEPTION
5:30 to 7:30 pm
EL CANTINERO RESTAURANT
86 UNIVERSITY PLACE, NEW YORK, NY 10003, b/t 12th St. & 11th St.
Around the corner from the Cinema Village. FULL BUFFET. Patio Dining and authentic Mexican fare. Special welcome to Dr. Kimberly Johnson from SAMHSA to celebrate RECOVERY MONTH. This event is free for sponsors, filmmakers and invited guests. All others, $20.00
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Friday, Sept. 23
8:00pm — The Frogmarch (New York Film Premiere)
(2015) “The Frogmarch” tells an intimate story about a group of well-intended friends who stage a drug-intervention. While Travis, after serving five years, is being released from prison. His closest friends gather at a scenic lake house to celebrate his homecoming, but the weekend is not going to go as smoothly as they planned. Secrets are exposed. Relationships are torn apart. All of their skeletons are dragged into the light. For the next three days, they are forced to confront their own demons and, in the process, each other. Director Jonathan D’Ambrosio. 110 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Jonathan D’Ambrosio and Producer Matt Flynn
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SAT.
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SEPTEMBER 24
Supported by
FACES & VOICES of RECOVERYAnd Special Thanks to
WESTBRIDGE
The Center for Integrated Treatment and Co-Occurring Disorders
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Saturday, Sept. 24
1:00pm — My Name is Bill W.
(1989) Based on the true story of Bill W. (James Woods), a successful stock broker whose life falls apart after the stock crash of the ’20s and how he comes to grips with his alcoholism. Along with a fellow alcoholic (James Garner) he forms a support group that would eventually become Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a crucial moment in this film when Bill W., stranded in Akron, Ohio, after a business deal falls through, paces a hotel lobby with his eyes drawn to the cocktail lounge, and in desperation hears himself saying on the phone, “I need to talk to another drunk.” That leads to his historic first meeting with Dr. Bob Smith, an Akron surgeon whose drinking was endangering his career and the lives of his patients. This ‘creation’ tale of AA is like The Greatest Story Ever Told. Written by William G. Borchert. Director Daniel Petrie. 100 minutes
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Saturday, Sept. 24
2:45pm — LIVE EVENT – William Borchert
LIVE in PERSON Talk and Q & A with WILLIAM BORCHERT, Author of My Name is Bill W. and The Lois Wilson Story. Moderator: Dr. Kimberly Johnson of SAMHSA, (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) WILLIAM G. BORCHERT is an Emmy nominated screenwriter who wrote the movies “My Name Is Bill W.” starring James Garner and James Woods and “When Love Is Not Enough” starring Winona Ryder and Barry Pepper. He has also written a number of books including, “The Lois Wilson Story: When Love Is Not Enough,” “Sought Through Prayer and Meditation,” “50 Miracles That Changed Lives,” and “1,000 Years of Sobriety,” and most recently, “How I Became My Father … A Drunk.”
Mr. Borchert is an entertaining and informative speaker, carrying his own message of recovery to medical groups, college campuses, large business organizations, recovery conventions and the 5th Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium.
Mr. Borchert will sign copies of his latest book, “How I Became My Father … A Drunk.” Books will be available for sale.
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Saturday, Sept. 24
3:30pm — When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story
(2010) Starring Academy Award nominee Winona Ryder and Emmy Award nominee Barry Pepper. This movie is based on the true story of Lois Wilson (co-founder of Al-Anon, and her husband Bill Wilson (co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous). It delves into the true tale of their enduring but troubled love story. When Love Is Not Enough is Lois’ story and Ryder plays her with wide eyes of both innocence and terror. Ryder made it clear the extent to which Lois had no idea how dreadful her husband’s condition was and how, in those pre-AA days, how isolated and confused a woman married to such a man had to be. Director John Kent Harrison. 92 minutes
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Saturday, Sept. 24
5:15pm — Mary Sieberling
(2016) Kathy Anderson sits down with Mary Seiberling, the daughter of Henrietta Seiberling who introduced Bill Wilson to Dr. Bob in their Gate House on June 13, 1935. Mary recounts how she recalls her mother’s motivation to make that introduction and what came of it as a result. She also shares about the first AA meetings held at the Gate Lodge. Essential viewing for all AA history buffs. Director Kathy Anderson. 40 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Kathy Anderson and William Huhn, Mary Sieberling’s son
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Saturday, Sept. 24
7:00pm — Under Water
(2016) A susceptible teenager, trying to rise above the tumult of his home, drowns himself in alcohol, drugs, and parties. Under Water is based on a true story. Written, Produced and Directed by Bryan Fitzgerald. 14 minutes
IN PERSON: Writer, Producer and Director Bryan Fitzgerald and Co-Director Valery Lessard
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Saturday, Sept. 24
7:20pm — Puncture
Puncture presented in association with BIGVISION NYC – (646) 885-6720
BIGVISION was created in 2015 … to help restore hope and purpose for young adults, ages 18-30, in recovery in New York City. BIGVISION provides fun events and productive opportunities in a sober environment, as we strive to eliminate the stigma associated with substance abuse disorder. bigvision.nyc/
(2011) TRUE STORY. Mike Weiss (Chris Evans) is a talented young Houston lawyer and a classic real life functioning drug addict. Paul Danziger (co-director Mark Kassen), his longtime friend and partner, is straight-laced and responsible. Their mom-and-pop personal injury law firm is getting by, but things really get interesting when they take on a case involving a local ER nurse, who is pricked by a contaminated needle on the job. As Weiss and Danziger dig deeper into the case, a health care and pharmaceutical conspiracy is uncovered. Out of their league but rich in their own principles, the mounting pressure of the case pushes these underdogs to the breaking point, and point of no return. Directors Adam Kassen and Mark Kassen. 100 minutes
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Saturday, Sept. 24
9:00pm — Dirty Beautiful
(2015) David is a young, struggling writer very alone in the world. Kat is a sexy lost soul recently left homeless by her ex. Both survive on the fringe of life. So when Kat storms into David’s life and throws out the crazy idea that they become an instant couple, David impulsively agrees and moves her into his tiny apartment. After some wild ups and downs, they make their home into a cave. A safe haven away from the world. But their retreat is fueled as much by drinking and escape as affection. Starring Ricky Mabe and Jordan Monaghan. Director Tim Bartell. 95 minutes
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SUN.
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SEPTEMBER 25
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1:00 PM
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SHORTS ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Sunday, Sept. 25
Breakfast
(2016) When a young man suffering from anorexia is pressured to eat breakfast by his boyfriend, the couple are thrust into another world where their anxieties and frustrations are made ingeniously, horrifyingly real. Director Tyler Byrnes. 10 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Tyler Byrnes
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Sunday, Sept. 25
After
(2015) An emotional and haunting film with themes of loss, resentment and guilt. Ed has to search for the basis of these emotions within himself when he returns home to pick up the pieces of his shattered life he finds himself bombarded by the reminders of all that he lost in the weeks prior, those nearest and dearest to his heart. Director Fernando Rojas Acuna. 9 minutes – STUDENT FILMMAKER
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Sunday, Sept. 25
The Journey
(2015) A teenage girl who lives with her pill addicted mother and alcoholic father runs away from home to find help in an unlikely place with an unlikely ally who truly knows what this troubled girl is going through. Director Takafumi Sakabe. 6 minutes
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Sunday, Sept. 25
Kids from the Other Side
(2015) Drug overdose is now the #1 cause of accidental death in the United States. We have seen a 184% increase in fatal overdoses in only 3 years. The Other Side is the result of studies of hundreds of high school aged kids who have never abused a substance and found a common key to their success. If middle school-aged kids make a commitment to never use drugs before they are faced with peer pressure they are more likely to stick to that goal. Director Dominic Tierno. 18 minutes
IN PERSON: Daniel Headrick, M.D., Board Certified Addictionologist
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Sunday, Sept. 25
2:30pm — Buried Above Ground
(2016) BURIED ABOVE GROUND embeds in its three subjects’ lives over a six year journey using subjective framing, vérité, interviews, and personal video archives. We meet three Americans who are fighting ongoing battles with PTSD — Luis, a combat veteran; Erundina, a lifelong survivor of domestic violence who fights addiction issues; and Ashley, a New Orleanian who lived through Hurricane Katrina and returns to confront the aftermath. We gain access to their therapy sessions, home life, and efforts to embrace community all the while trying to unburden themselves from the crippling lock of their past traumas. Director Ben Selkow. 78 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Ben Selkow
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5:00 PM
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SHORTS ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Sunday, Sept. 25
Porcupine
(2015) W. Earl Brown (DEADWOOD, TRUE DETECTIVE, and the new ABC hit, AMERICAN CRIME) stars as a country music star in this classic country music tale of heartache, loss and hope. On the eve of his induction into the Hall of Fame, a mystery woman from his past appears. They discover they have much in common: music, whiskey, and their prickly personalities. Can these two porcupines lower their quills and form a bond, or will they be alone forever. Director Sabrina Doyle. 14 minutes
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Sunday, Sept. 25
Mt Brother’s Keeper
(2015) The struggle of two brothers: one who battles his demons; the other fights to stop his enabling tendencies to his brother’s alcoholism. Director Rachael Meyers. 11 minutes – STUDENT FILMMAKER
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Sunday, Sept. 25
Step 9
(2015) Two friends, one in recovery and one decidedly not, set off on a road trip to make amends and find that being forgiven is not as easy as it seems. Starring Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Artemis Pebdani (Sex Tape) Director Lenora Pitts. 13 minutes
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Sunday, Sept. 25
Twelve Steps
(2015) TWELVE STEPS takes you on the journey of a young couple, Hank and Angie, who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. When Angie and Hank take the necessary steps to get clean they learn that Angie is pregnant. Overwhelmed with guilt and the pressures of dealing with a newborn with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Angie begins to secretly spiral. Starring Dan Sanders-Joyce and Kristy Johnson. Director Paula Bryant-Ellis. 21 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
IN PERSON: TBA
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Sunday, Sept. 25
7:00pm — Chasing Yesterday
(2015) A washed up twenty something year old, who was once the hometown hero and track star, is convinced by a local sweetheart to run a marathon and get his life back on track. Starring Eric Nelsen ( A Walk Among the Tombstones), Courtney Baxter (Sharknado) and Josh Flitter (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind ). Director Joseph Pernice. 91 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Joe Pernice and Associate Producer Jamison Monroe, Jr.
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Sunday, Sept. 25
9:00pm — Le Dernier Pour La Route (One for the Road)
(2015) Rylee, a mixed-race teen descends into drug addiction while struggling with her difficult childhood. After entering treatment at a rehab facility, working through issues of identity both physical and emotional, Rylee learns recovery is a life-long process that holds no guarantees. Exploring the effects of addiction on family, Maya, Rylee’s South Asian mother, struggles to understand Rylee’s disease while coping with her own family history of substance abuse. 103 minutesFree screening to anyone with a French accent.
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MON.
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SEPTEMBER 26
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1:00 PM
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SHORTS ON A MONDAY AFTERNOON – Part 1
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Monday, Sept. 26
In-Between the Scripts
(2015) United Kingdom – An experimental film about a man suffering from mental health issues, who, while taking anti-psychotic medications experiences traumatic aftermath physical and psychological aftermath. Director Stacey Larkins. 5 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
The Betrayal
(2015) An auto ethnographic film exploring personal experience of the abuse of trust and power within a toxic psychiatrist-patient relationship. Fragments of medical records are interwoven with hypnotic, pulsing pills, creating a disorientating yet seductive montage. At its dark heart, The Betrayal is a twisted, deadly love affair. A real crowd-pleaser. Director Susan Young. 5 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
Stay Awake
(2015) “Stay Awake” follows two teenage brothers through the weekly routine of taking their mother to the hospital to detox her from a prescription drug addiction. When it becomes clear that their mother may never change, both brothers have to decide whether to continue trying to help her, or move on. Director Jamie Sisley.
14 minutes – STUDENT PROJECT
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Monday, Sept. 26
I Am Borderline
(2016) CANADA – Writer and Director Betsy Usher along side with Wright Institute Los Angeles: Self-Regulation Project created a film to help reduce the stigma of Borderline Personality Disorder and to educate us about the struggles of and create empathy for those who live with it. Director Betsy Usher. 5 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
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Monday, Sept. 26
Static
(2016) CANADA – Jake struggles with his depression, which comes to life in somewhat of a human form. A black comedy short film about depression, anxiety, inner demons … and a guitar. Director Jordan Backman. 8 minutes – STUDENT PROJECT
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Monday, Sept. 26
Uphill
(2016) In the aftermath of a suicide attempt, Stella and Dominic are forced to deal with the causes, emotions, and relationship drama that surround her depression. Director Matt Gossen. 14 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
Welcome to Where You’ve Always Been
(2015) This is a short story about a champion spoken word poet named Devyn Duncan who has everything, but is blind to the blessings around him. He must find a way to overcome his depression and demons before his overwhelming desire to end his life wins the battle. He turns to alcohol to cope with the pain while hiding his suicidal thoughts from his wife, but she has a secret of her own which could change everything. Directors Mary Lou Sandler and Justin Sandler. 16 minutes
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2:30 PM
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SHORTS ON A MONDAY AFTERNOON – Part 2
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Monday, Sept. 26
Facing the Shadows
(2016) When a lonely alcoholic is abandoned by his friends and family, he is forced to confront his inner most fears. During a 24 hour drinking binge, he wrestles with the addictions stemming from his abusive childhood. Finally hitting rock bottom, he decides to take the matter of recovery in his own hands. Director Freddie Conor. 3 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
Coco
(2015) This short takes a unique look at addiction as it is played out between a young woman, Donna, and her “best friend,” CoCo. Donna takes CoCo everywhere she goes; Coco forces Donna to make horrible, life changing choices. Director Joanna White-Oldham. 7 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
IN PERSON: Actors Lucy Dolly Caires and Jarvis Matthews
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Monday, Sept. 26
Mercy
(2015) John picks up his family, having had a little too much to drink. The drive home turns into a nightmare and a lesson in God’s mercy. Director Steven Frohardt. 14 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
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Monday, Sept. 26
A Mushroom Trip
(2015) GERMANY A young boy and girl are looking for the meaning of life by using drugs, but once they find it is not there, they find it in love for each other. Director Olga Guse. 7 minutes – ANIMATED
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Monday, Sept. 26
One Too Many
(2015) UNITED KINGDOM – When a drunken night out gets the better of him, Joe’s inner self steps in to set him on the road to recovery where a killer hangover awaits. A brilliant animated short by Sinead Stoddart. 2 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
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Monday, Sept. 26
Milk
(2015) A man will stop at nothing to get his fix of milk. Stemming from a Virginia law that makes it illegal to sell raw milk, this tale of satisfying an addiction was born. Director/Co-Producer Patrick Willard. 8 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKERIN PERSON: Director/Co-Producer Patrick Willard and Co-Producer Joel Taylor
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Monday, Sept. 26
6 Months & 4 Days
(2014) On an ordinary Sunday in Coney Island, Aaron, a recovering alcoholic and his girlfriend Rose struggle to keep their relationship together. Director Ali Kemal Guven. 4 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
3:45pm — Once a Cheerleader
(2016) Inspired by a real story too often repeated, a heartbreaking event causes a bright young high school cheerleader to fall into spiral of drugs and prostitution. Produced by Per Wickstrom, founder of Stopping Addiction with Family Education – safeprevention.org. Director Mitchell Stuart. 38 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
3:45pm — In the Spotlight
(2015) At the peak of Earla’s social phobia she was housebound for six years. During her recovery she founded and started the Social Phobia Support Group of Toronto, becoming the largest group of its kind in North America. Today she is challenged with unstable medication, supporting herself financially, and appearing in various media outlets as a mental health advocate. Can her passion to help others outweigh her fear of people? Director Katie Cooper. 64 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Katie Cooper
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Monday, Sept. 26
7:00pm — I Smile Back
(2015) Laney Brooks does bad things. Married with kids, she takes the drugs she wants, sleeps with the men she wants, disappears when she wants. Now, with the destruction of her family looming, and temptation everywhere, Laney makes one last desperate attempt at redemption. Starring Sarah Silverman. Director Adam Salky. 85 minutes
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Monday, Sept. 26
9:00pm — Basquiat
(1996) Basquiat in New York tells the story of the meteoric rise of youthful artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Starting out as a street artist, living in Thompkins Square Park in a cardboard box, Jean-Michel is “discovered” by Andy Warhol’s art world and becomes a star. But success has a high price, and Basquiat pays with friendship, love, and eventually, his life. A star making performance by Jeffrey Wright. Director Julian Schnabel. 108 minutes
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TUE.
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SEPTEMBER 27
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Tuesday, Sept. 27
1:00pm — Memo to Self
(2016) Dr. Kevin McCauley re-lives his own precarious early sobriety, negotiating hazards such as hostile prosecutors, treatment programs with divided loyalties and his own craving brain. Following the advice of the Addiction Medicine experts who helped him, he replicates the sobriety habits and success of recovering pilots and health care professionals. By framing addiction not as a problem of moral choice but as a safety or risk management challenge, Dr. McCauley explains how recovery is neither rare nor random – with the right kind of support, it can even be expected. Director Kevin McCauley. 90 minutes
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Tuesday, Sept. 27
3:00pm — Chasing the Dragon
(2015) This documentary film produced by the FBI, profiles the stories of several people who either abused opiates or had family members become addicts. It profiles the cycle of addiction and looks at the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse. The film features interviews with medical and law enforcement professionals discussing the effects of the addiction, and how this epidemic is unlike any this country has seen before. “This film may be difficult to watch, but we hope it educates our students and young adults about the tragic consequences that come from abusing these drugs…”- FBI Director James Comey. 45 minutes
VERY SPECIAL GUESTS – Free DVD to first 50 attendees
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Tuesday, Sept. 27
5:00pm — Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer
Special Introduction by Robert Downey, Sr.
(2007) A documentary look at the improvised life of Anita O’Day (1919-2006), singer and stylist whose timing, phrasing, interpretations, and unique sound put her among the finest vocalists of jazz. Interviews with her late in life are interspersed with archival footage of performances and old interviews as well as with comments by friends, arrangers, critics, and other musicians. She talks about singing without a uvula (sing eighth notes), of jail time for a marijuana arrest, of taking and kicking heroin, of finally making money after appearing at the Newport Jazz Festival, of loss, of a broken arm that almost cost her life, and of living in 4/4 time, one day at a time, smiling. Directors Robbie Cavolina and Ian McCrudden. 90 minutes
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Tuesday, Sept. 27
8:00pm — As I Am: The Life & Times of DJ AM
SPECIAL FREE ENCORE SCREENING
(2015) AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DJ AM 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. Director Kevin Kerslake. 110 minutes
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WED.
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SEPTEMBER 28
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Wednesday, Sept. 28
1:00pm — Screenagers
(2016) Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston learned that the average kid, including hers, spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. In SCREENAGERS, Delaney takes a deeply personal approach as she probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Director Delaney Ruston. 70 minutesPANEL DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW
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Wednesday, Sept. 28
3:00pm — The Frogmarch (encore screening)
(2015) “The Frogmarch” tells an intimate story about a group of well-intended friends who stage a drug-intervention: After serving five years, Travis Portman is being released from prison. A group of his closest friends gather at a remote and scenic lake house to celebrate his homecoming, but the weekend is not going to go as smoothly as they planned. Secrets are exposed. Relationships are torn apart. All of their skeletons are dragged into the light. For the next three days, they are forced to confront their own demons and, in the process, each other. Director Jonathan D’Ambrosio. 110 minutes
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Wednesday, Sept. 28
Double Down – Two Films on Gambling Addiction
5:00pm — Empty Space
(2015) This award-winning drama, created for The New York Council on Problem Gambling, looks at the issue of Seniors suffering from gambling addiction and the impact it has on their family and friends. The film was written and directed by Emmy® Award-Winner, Richard T. Wilson of the nationally recognized production company, OutreachArts, Inc. Director Richard T. Wilson. 18 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Richard T. Wilson
Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation
(2015) They’re rigged, they’re addictive and they’re everywhere. But does the problem lie with the individual or the machine? Ka-Ching! goes inside the machine to find out, speaking with the masterminds behind their design, plus neuroscientists, anthropologists, game theorists and more. Australia has rapidly become the pokies capital of the world, with five times more machines per capita than the USA. Australian’s are losing a staggering $19 billion a year, but everyone – players, industry and government – are hooked. Director Jane Manning. 54 minutes
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Wednesday, Sept. 28
7:30pm — Last Words
(2016) A broken heart is not easily healed. And when a young man faces his old love, he realizes that sometimes saying goodbye, is the hardest thing to do. Starring Courtney de la Rigaudiere and Adam Shiri. Director Adam Shiri. 6 minutes. FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
IN PERSON: Actor Courtney De La Rigaudiere and Actor/Director Adam Shiri
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Wednesday, Sept. 28
Behind Bars
(2016) Behind Bars is a semi-autobiographical allegory and a dramatic look at actors, the film industry and drug and alcohol addiction. Shot in NYC. Starring and directed by Jeff Wincott. 15 minutes — FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
IN PERSON: Actor/Director Jeff Wincott
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LIVE EVENT Wednesday, Sept. 28
8:00pm — LAWRENCE BLOCK LIVE EVENT
THE TRUE STORY
OF A FICTIONAL DRUNK’S RECOVERY
IN PERSON – LAWRENCE BLOCK
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear a master storyteller tell his most important story of all.
New York, NY – Award-Winning author Lawrence Block discusses one of his most beloved characters, Matthew Scudder, on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016 at 8:00 pm at Cinema Village 22 E. 12th Street, New York City, NY 10003. This is the symposium bit of the 5th Annual REEL Recovery Film Festival & Symposium.
Author of over 150 novels, Mr. Block will discuss the devo/evolution of sober private eye, Matthew Scudder. The ex-cop first appeared in print in 1976 in The Sins of the Fathers, as a hard-drinking, defrocked New York cop, now working as an unlicensed private investigator.
To no ones surprise, except perhaps to Lawrence Block himself, at the end of the fifth novel of the series in 1982, Eight Million Ways to Die, Matthew Scudder walks into an AA meeting and utters those eight life-saving words: “My name is Matthew Scudder and I am an alcoholic.”
Matthew follows the precepts of AA, goes to meetings, gets a sponsor (who owns a print shop,) and doesn’t drink again through the next eleven novels. Mr. Block will discuss how Matthews lifestyle did and didn’t mirror his own, and if Scudder wasn’t the only one who found recovery through the 12 Steps and a little luck.
Mr. Block has generously agreed to sign books after the meeting. He’ll sign up to three books that you bring with you, and will bring a limited quantity of books for sale.
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THURS.
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SEPT. 29
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1:00 PM
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SHORTS ON A THURSDAY AFTERNOON – Part 1
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Thursday, Sept 29
Junkie Heaven
(2016) Doyle Burkett is an Iraqi war vet who is suffering from PTSD and he also happens to be a junkie willing to do anything to get his fix. After he wakes from a night of using, he is greeted by Alexander, a spiritual being who gives Doyle a mission. Now Doyle must steal an ancient artifact that will tip the scales of good versus evil or walk with Alexander into the afterlife. Director Lee Kolinsky. 18 minutes
IN PERSON: Director Lee Kolinsky and Actor Joseph A. Halsey
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Thursday, Sept 29
Extended Release
(2016) Tim moves away from New Hampshire to Los Angeles to escape his dark past and to find sobriety. He struggles in a new place to find his bearings without losing himself. When he meets Peyton, he is forced to chose between facing sobriety and leaving his best friend … again. Director Erica Tamposi. 20 minutes
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Thursday, Sept 29
Wanting
(2015) CANADA – The life of drug dealer Rick becomes intertwined with Caitlyn and Jackie, two roommates living in Toronto’s west end. While the women wait impatiently for their next fix Rick finally arrives and provides Jackie with a packet of white powder. After getting high she hurriedly leaves. Rick and Caitlyn start the search for Jackie and find her unconscious in a nearby alley. Caitlyn is concerned but follows Rick as he leaves the scene. The pair talk in Caitlyn’s kitchen about what to do next and an unexpected twist changes everything. Director Brian Woodford. 6 minutes
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Thursday, Sept 29
Tyler Tabor
(2015) Powerful documentary. Tyler moved onto heroin when he could no longer get his opioids, his parents hoped he would get sober in jail and enter a rehab upon release … The dark, deadly side of #PrisonProfiteering. Director Cheryl Hiltzik. 11 minutes
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Thursday, Sept 29
The Weekend
(2016) A lonely man takes in a beautiful drifter for a weekend and discovers her dark secret of heroin use. Director Dennis Cahlo. 20 Minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
IN PERSON: Director Dennis Cahlo
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3:00 PM
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SHORTS ON A THURSDAY AFTERNOON – Part 2
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Thursday, Sept 29
Decision
(2016) Within an expanse of anxiety, a decision must be made. Decision is a short animated film that explores one woman’s experience with anxiety and how she handles what she perceives as a daunting choice. Director Mary Jo Zefeldt.
3 minutes – STUDENT FILMMAKER. ANIMATED
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Thursday, Sept 29
Blue
(2015) This short watches a despondent dude, as he tries to get through his day … not with a monkey on his back, but an ever present monster named Depression. Director Christopher Gregson. 6 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
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Thursday, Sept 29
Anxeyety
(2015) Six individuals from various cultural backgrounds, gender identities, ages, professions and levels of social anxiety disorders are interviewed about their relationship with eye contact. Director Arden Barlow. 5 minutes
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Thursday, Sept 29
Not Without Us
(2014) Not Without Us is a film deconstructing the complex issues at the heart of one of the most harmful forms of discrimination in America — the chronic abuse and stigmatization of people labeled mentally ill. Watch what happens when this group of people, often portrayed as a problem of society, bands together to redefine mental illness and reclaim their status as interesting members of society. Director Sam Avery. 28 minutes
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Thursday, Sept. 29
4:00pm — Wasted
(2015) CANADA – Filmmaker Maureen Palmer set out to follow her life partner — an alcoholic 5 years sober — on a search for the best new evidence-based addiction treatments. But just as filming begins, he drinks again — and a theoretical journey becomes very real and deeply personal. Director Maureen Palmer. 44 minutes
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Thursday, Sept. 29
5:00pm — How Addiction Changes the Brain:
A talk by Dr. Gabor Mate
If drug addiction is a brain disease, then why aren’t we treating it like a mental health issue? We treat people with cancer and heart disease with compassion, sympathy, and rigorous medical intervention, knowing the cancer wasn’t their fault. But, because using drugs in the first place is a choice, we tend to blame a person for their addiction.
In his award-winning book, “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction,” Dr. Gabor Maté explains the origins of addiction as being rooted in trauma and calls for a more compassionate approach toward the addict. 27 minutes
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6:30 PM
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THURSDAY SUNSET SHORTS
TICKETS for all short $10 at the door
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Thursday, Sept 29
Damaged
(2015) Sadie Upshaw is a lawyer who is battling her inner demons. While her day to day may look like a boring 9-5 she is riddled with dark memories. Sadie fights to not repeat the past and to learn from her previous self. This film is a commentary on addiction and attempts to show the intrigue vs. reality of substance abuse. Director Erin Kirby. STUDENT FILM. 6 minutes
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Thursday, Sept 29
Watermelon Eyes
(2015) An overdue letter opens a window to the past for a broken alcoholic, who, blind to his addiction, must weigh his poison against the love of his life. Director Jeremy Silva. 12 minutes – FIRST-TIME FILMMAKER
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Thursday, Sept 29
Kevin’s Story
(2016) A single moment can alter your story forever. For Barry Adkins, that moment came one Sunday morning when three police officers arrived at his doorstep and handed him his son’s drivers license. Director Chris Heck. 10 minutes
IN PERSON Director Chris Heck
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Thursday, Sept 29
Delray
(2015) This film features young men and women whose lives have been characterized by countless attempts to live intoxicated live in the grey areas between good and evil, right and wrong. Given a chance at a new way of living the characters walk towards it earnestly. But who will make it out in the end? Director Brittany Ackerman. 30 minutes
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Thursday, Sept. 29
8:00pm — Pure
(2002) UNITED KINGDOM – This overlooked British classic follows the death of Mel’s husband, as she comes to rely on an old friend, Lenny, who is also a pimp and dealer. Soon her 10-year-old son Paul must take care of both his mother and his younger brother. When Mel’s friend and fellow user dies, Paul must confront the fear that has been gathering in the pit of his stomach: having lost his father, his mother too may abandon him, but does she? Starring Keira Knightley, Molly Parker and Harry Eden. Director Gillies MacKinnon. 96 minutes
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Schedule Subject to Change
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