REEL Recovery Film Festival 2025 | Sober Cinema Event in Portland, Maine – June 6 – 7
Celebrating Recovery Through Film: Join Us for an Inspiring Weekend of Storytelling, Connection, and Hope
Celebrate the power of storytelling, recovery, and community at the Reel Recovery Film Festival, coming to Portland, Maine, on June 6 -7, 2025. Hosted by the Maine Recovery Residence Network (MeRR), this two-day event at Hannaford Hall at the University of Southern Maine (USM) features powerful films that shine the light on addiction, sobriety, and the human spirit.
Whether you are in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply moved by stories of transformation, this is an experience you will not want to miss.
Event Details
- Day 1 | Date: Friday, June 6, 2025 | Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Day 2 | Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 | Time: 10 AM – 9 PM
Event Location Address: 96 Falmouth St, Portland, ME 04103, United States
Event Venue: Hannaford Hall, University of Southern Maine
Google Maps: Hannaford Hall
What is the REEL Recovery Film Festival?
The REEL Recovery Film Festival is a national event that celebrates recovery through cinema – and for the first time, it’s coming to Maine.
This Festival & Symposium is produced by Writers in Treatment.
It is a multi-day event that celebrates film, the arts, and creativity, showcasing filmmakers who explore themes of addiction, alcoholism, behavioural disorders, treatment,t and recovery with unflinching honesty. Each year, the festival presents an eclectic lineup of contemporary and classic films, including documentaries and shorts from both emerging talents and seasoned professionals in the industry.
It is designed to reduce stigma, build community, and elevate voices often left out of the mainstream narrative.
Film Highlights
The 2025 festival will include:
- Powerful real-life recovery stories.
- Insightful films on addiction treatment, sober living, and family healing.
- Opportunity to connect with filmmakers, recovery advocates, and local service providers.
Featured titles and screening schedule to be announced soon.
Why Attend This Sober Film Festival in Maine?
- Connect with Maine’s vibrant recovery community and sober support networks.
- Learn about treatment options and housing resources.
- Inspiring stories that reinforce recovery journeys.
- Enjoy an inspiring, alcohol-free event in a supportive space.
- Support MeRR’s mission to expand access to quality recovery residences across the state.
Fundraising Mission
- The festival aims to raise $50,000 for the Bed Sponsorship Fund, which helps individuals facing financial difficulties access certified recovery housing.
Whether you are a provider, policy advocate, student, or person in recovery in recovery, this event is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow.
Who Should Attend?
This event is open to all and especially valuable for:
- Individuals in recovery.
- Friends and family of those affected by addiction.
- Peer recovery coaches and clinicians.
- Students, educators, and nonprofit professionals.
- Anyone interested in recovery-focused media advocacy.
Accessibility & Accommodations
- Hannaford Hall is ADA-compliant
- On-site parking and nearby public transit access
- ASL interpretation available upon request
- All films are screened in alcohol and drug-free environments
About the Host – MeRR
The Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MeRR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). MeRR oversees the implementation of ethical and safety standards for recovery residences across the state of Maine, certifies residences by NARR’s established guidelines.
The organization upholds the principle that all individuals seeking recovery-oriented housing deserve access to safe, supportive environments conducive to healthy and fulfilling lives. MeRR’s primary mission is to advance the ethical and sustainable operation of high-quality recovery residences throughout Maine.
Through events like the REEL Recovery Film Festival, MeRR raises awareness, reduces stigma, and supports sustainable recovery.