2025 Recovery Festival & ‘I Am Only Human’ Filmmaking Course
- Healthwatch Portsmouth
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Tell them your story!
Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) is proud to announce the 7th annual Recovery Festival, taking place on 21–23 November 2025 across Portsmouth. This year’s event continues our mission to raise awareness around mental health, addiction, and trauma, while celebrating recovery, resilience, and community through the power of film and storytelling.
The Recovery Festival invites individuals who have sought support for mental health, addiction, or other challenges to come together, share their experiences, and celebrate their strength. It is a festival of recognition—for those who have bravely stepped forward, found help, and discovered that they are not alone.
At the heart of the festival is the acclaimed ‘I Am Only Human’ Free Filmmaking Course, now in its 5th year, which gives individuals in recovery the chance to write, direct, and produce their own short films. These deeply personal stories will premiere as part of the festival’s headline event.
Festival Highlights
‘I Am Only Human’ Filmmaking Course
Start Date: 3rd September 2025
Duration: 10 weeks 10.30pm-1pm
Venue: Southsea Cinema
Open to: Individuals in recovery or affected by addiction
Outcomes:
Short films created and premiered by course participants
Skills in screenwriting, directing, filming, acting and editing
Personal development: increased self-confidence, self-expression, engage with art forms and social skills
Festival Premiere & Celebration Event
Date: Saturday 22nd November 2025
Location: TBC
Programme Includes:
Premiere screening of students’ films
Behind-the-scenes showcase
Award presentations and personal testimonies
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health & Care at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“We are really pleased to support the Annual Recovery Film Festival and the film-making course, which provide valuable opportunities for individuals in recovery to develop new skills, build confidence, and tell their stories via film. These initiatives play an important role in supporting sustained recovery and in demonstrating to the wider community that recovery from drug or alcohol dependence is possible. We look forward to seeing the films at the Recovery Film festival in November."
A Message from the Director
Aysegul Epengin, Director of Portsmouth Film Society and Festival Coordinator, shared:
“The aim of the Recovery Festival is to celebrate the many paths to recovery, empower individuals through storytelling, and foster meaningful community connections. We want to highlight the real, positive impact recovery can have—not just on individuals, but on families, communities, and society. We are truly grateful for the ongoing support from Portsmouth City Council, Society of St. James, and all our partners who make this possible.”
About the Recovery Festival
The Recovery Festival is an annual initiative by Portsmouth Film Society that brings together local partners, public health teams, and recovery-focused organisations. Through film screenings, creative workshops, and open discussions, the festival promotes awareness, reduces stigma, and champions healing through the arts.
For more details and full programme updates, visit: