A celebration of recovery, resilience and the power of storytelling, bringing Portsmouth together through film, creativity and connection.

Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) is proud to announce the return of its annual Recovery Festival, taking place from 20–22 November in Portsmouth. Now in its seventh year, the festival celebrates the courage of people navigating recovery, raises awareness of mental health and addiction, and champions the transformative power of film, creativity and community.

At its heart, the Recovery Festival is about hope, belonging and the strength it takes to move forward. It creates a welcoming space for people with lived experience of mental health challenges, addiction and other life difficulties to share their stories, discover their creativity and celebrate every step of their journey.

Recovery is not always easy, and no two journeys are the same. Through film screenings, creative workshops, meditation, yoga and live music, the festival aims to challenge stigma, encourage meaningful conversations and remind everyone that recovery is possible, every step forward matters, and no one has to face their journey alone.

A central highlight of the festival is the acclaimed I Am Only Human Free Filmmaking Course, now in its seventh year. The programme empowers people in recovery to develop their creative voices and gain hands-on experience in writing, directing and producing their own short films. These powerful, personal stories will take centre stage at the festival premiere, celebrating the courage, talent and achievements of the filmmakers.

Festival programme

Friday 20 November — Opening Night

6:30 pm | Opening Reception

Join us as we welcome participants, partners, supporters and members of the community to celebrate the start of the Recovery Festival.

7:00 pm | I Am Only Human — Filmmaking Course Premiere FREE ENTRY

Discover the creativity and courage of our filmmaking students in a special showcase of original short films inspired by personal experiences, resilience and the journey towards recovery.

9:00 pm | Steve (2025) — Certificate 15

FREE SCREENING | Suggested donation: £3

Starring Cillian Murphy, Steve explores the pressures of responsibility, burnout and mental health through the story of a headteacher struggling to balance the demands of his professional life with his own personal challenges.

Join us for a thought-provoking screening that opens up important conversations about wellbeing, compassion and the challenges people face behind closed doors.

Saturday 21 November — Creativity, Understanding and Connection

1:00 pm | Art Therapy Workshop FREE

Take part in a welcoming, collaborative creative workshop that encourages self-expression, connection and reflection through art.

All materials will be provided. Places are limited, so advance booking is essential. To reserve your place, email admin@southseacinema.co.uk.

7:00 pm | Unrest (2017) — Certificate 12

Suggested donation: £3 | Guest speaker to be confirmed

Unrest follows Harvard PhD student Jennifer Brea as she confronts the devastating impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) on her life. Her story offers a moving exploration of illness, isolation, resilience and the struggle to be heard.

The screening invites audiences to reflect on invisible illness, the importance of understanding and the human need for recognition and support.

Please note: Face masks are compulsory for this screening.

Sunday 22 November — Mindfulness, Movement and Celebration

1:00 pm | Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with Sarah Campbell

Suggested donation: £10

“Your habits of today form the you of tomorrow.”

Through Kundalini yoga, movement and meditation, Sarah Campbell invites participants to explore how mindful practices can support personal growth, self-awareness and positive change.

This session offers an opportunity to pause, reconnect with yourself and discover new ways to nurture balance and wellbeing.

5:00 pm | Recovery Celebration, Non-Substance Party with our learners and volunteers: FREE ENTRY

Bring the festival to a joyful close with an acoustic evening featuring Rob Johnston and Tim Goover, celebrating the volunteers, students, artists and supporters who help make the Recovery Festival possible.

Expect an eclectic mix of guitar and percussion instrumentals, songs and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in which music brings people together.

This is a celebration of community, shared achievement and the many ways we can find connection beyond the pressures of everyday life.

Everyone is welcome to take the mic! Whether you would like to sing a song, share a personal story, or express yourself through words and music, this is your opportunity to be heard in a warm, supportive and inclusive space. Come as you are, share your talent, and celebrate the power of creativity, connection and recovery.

Aysegul Epengin, Director of Portsmouth Film Society and Festival Coordinator, said:

“We are proud to bring the Recovery Festival to Portsmouth for its seventh year. At Portsmouth Film Society, we believe that everyone has a story worth telling and that creativity can open doors to confidence, connection and new possibilities.

Through our ‘I Am Only Human’ filmmaking course, we give people with lived experience of recovery the opportunity to find their voices, develop their talents and share their stories through film.

These are not simply films; they are expressions of courage, humanity and the determination to move forward.

Our ambition is to make Portsmouth Film Society a welcoming educational and creative hub where film and the arts can bring people together, challenge stigma and inspire positive change.

We are deeply grateful to Portsmouth City Council, the Society of St James, our community partners, volunteers, students, artists and supporters. Their collaboration and commitment have helped make this festival possible, and we thank them wholeheartedly for standing alongside us.

Recovery is a journey, and every step deserves to be recognised. Together, through film, art, movement and music, we can celebrate the strength of the human spirit and remind people that they are never alone.”

The Recovery Festival is an annual initiative led by Portsmouth Film Society CIC, bringing together community partners, public health teams, recovery organisations, artists, filmmakers and local audiences.

Through film screenings, participatory filmmaking, creative workshops, wellbeing activities and community events, the festival raises awareness, challenges stigma and creates opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.

By placing lived experience, creativity and inclusion at its heart, the festival celebrates the potential of the arts to encourage understanding, strengthen communities and give people the confidence to tell their own stories.

The Recovery Festival reflects Portsmouth Film Society’s ongoing commitment to education, community engagement and accessible cultural experiences that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

Whether you are interested in film, the arts, wellbeing or simply being part of a supportive community, you are warmly invited to join us.

For more details and updates, visit portsmouthfilmsociety.org.uk/recoveryfestival.

Follow Portsmouth Film Society on Instagram and Facebook: @pompeyfilms and @southseacinema. #SouthseaCinema #RecoveryFestival2026