On Thursday September 19 the streets of Leeds will host a film festival with a difference.
The Recovery Street Film Festival focuses on filmmakers who have a lived experience of recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, whether it is themselves or a loved one.
Forward Leeds and 5 WAYS have organised the screening of the films in Dortmund Square on The Headrow in the centre of the city.
The film festival helps to demonstrate through the medium of film the diverse issues that are faced by people overcoming addiction and how those around them can be affected.
The aim is to empower people affected by addiction by giving them a voice, providing a platform for them to tell their own stories of the ‘ups and downs’ and how they reached recovery.
The films to highlight the problems that are confronted when someone is attempting to regain their place in society: to gain new friends, to revive links with family, secure a home and get a job.
The screenings normally take place in September which is Recovery Month. This the first time that Leeds will be hosting a screening.