Portsmouth Film Society CIC is delighted to announce the return of our free ‘I Am Only Human’ Filmmaking Course, delivered as part of the 2026 Recovery Festival.
This unique 10-week filmmaking programme is open to adults in Portsmouth whose lives have been affected by drug or alcohol dependency and who would like to learn new skills, meet new people, build confidence, and tell their stories through film.
Course Dates: 2nd September – 10th November 2026
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm (2.5 hours per week)
Venue: Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre, 1–3 Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3QQ
Throughout the course, participants will gain hands-on experience in storytelling, camera work, sound recording, directing, editing, and film production. Working together as a creative team, students will create their own short films to be showcased during the Recovery Festival.
The course is designed to help participants:
-Learn new creative and technical skills
-Build self-confidence and self-esteem
-Develop friendships and social connections
-Express themselves through storytelling
-Gain a sense of achievement through filmmaking
How to Register
Complete the online registration form here:
https://forms.gle/
If you prefer, you can also request and complete a paper application form. Hard-copy forms are available from Portsmouth Film Society CIC at Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre and can be returned in person.
All information provided will be treated confidentially and used only for the administration of the course.
Recovery Festival 2026
19–22 November 2026
Venue: Southsea Cinema & Arts Centre, 1–3 Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3QQ
The Recovery Festival celebrates all forms of recovery and highlights the strength, resilience, and achievements of people who have transformed their lives. Through film screenings, workshops, talks, and community events, the festival also recognises the organisations and professionals who continue to support people on their recovery journeys.
The festival aims to:
- Raise awareness of recovery and wellbeing
- Reduce stigma surrounding addiction and mental health
- Celebrate personal achievement and community support
- Showcase the power of arts and creativity in recovery
- Collaboration with other recovery related organisations
A Message from Aysegul Epengin
Director of Portsmouth Film Society and Recovery Festival Coordinator
“We are immensely proud to bring back both the I Am Only Human Filmmaking Course and the Recovery Festival for 2026. Every year we witness incredible courage, creativity, and personal growth from our participants. Their films remind us that recovery is possible and that every person has a story worth telling.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of Portsmouth City Council Public Health. Their commitment to community wellbeing makes this work possible. Quite simply, we could not deliver this festival or filmmaking programme without their support. Together, we are creating opportunities for people to find their voice, build confidence, develop new skills, and inspire others through the power of film. Thank you, Portsmouth City Council Public Health, for believing in this project and helping us make a lasting difference in our city.”
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