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Turning premium
short films into powerful tools of transformation.

 

An Innovative Nonprofit Revolutionizing Prevention, Education, Treatment & Support For All Those Facing Addiction, Mental Health, & Trauma…
One Film at a Time.

 
 

 It's about WHY...

Our underlying issue is not Using substances, but WHY we use substances. It’s about shame, a fear of not belonging, and a fear of not being good enough. But this isn’t unique to addiction, it’s just part of being human.

 

Now, Imagine A World Where...

We all feel Seen, Heard, and Loved,
You enter every room knowing that you are already Enough,
And Movies are our most effective tool for Healing & Growth.

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We’ve turned movies into approachable and captivating tools with the sole purpose to reduce shame, improve mindset, and abolish stigma for millions at a time.

See for Yourself.

We use movies - from “mini” romantic comedies to thrillers - to create an inescapable emotional experience, which is how we learn best and create the intrinsic motivation to grow.

But instead of telling you, let us show you.

Take just a couple of minutes to watch our featured film of the month.

  • “Of Substance is a critical tool in educating society about not only addiction, but of unique human experiences. They sheds light on what it’s truly like to be in the shoes of someone living with addiction, trauma, and depression. It’s one thing to listen and attempt to understand what someone is going through, but through film, we’re able to enhance compassion, empathy, and love for those in our communities living with mental health struggles.”

    Dr. Raghu Kiran Appasani, MD
    Integrative Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist, Founder and CEO, The MINDS Foundation

  • “Of Substance has created an approachable tool with the sole purpose to reduce shame and improve mindset for millions at a time - often in spite of ourselves.”

    Dr. Andrew Mazz Marry
    Associate Professor of Bioscience | Co-founder at Daily Dose of Dr Marry & DD

  • “Our job in therapy is to have convo after convo over session after session until we finally get our clients to reach a point of opening up and sharing vulnerably. Of Substance films allow us to do that instantaneously!”

    Dr. Mary K. Doherty
    CORA Family Services, 40-year counselor & Director of Government & Strategic Partnerships

  • “Of Substance’s films bravely allow us into the experience & travel with you on this journey that leads to understanding - and while addiction is the vehicle, the real message is about the beautifully messy experience of being human, and what it means to belong to each other.”

    Jessica Buchanan
    NYT Bestselling author, professional speaker, Mental Health Advocate, & “We Should Talk About That” Podcast Host


  • “Of Substance is ‘Trojan Horsing’ transformation!”

    Saad Soliman
    National Reentry Systems SME and Criminal Justice Reform Advocate, Systems Organizer, Inspired Trainer and Proven Leader. Serial Entrepreneur and wealth creation strategist.

  • “Of Substance’s films accelerate participants into an atmosphere of focused attention through compelling stories in a therapeutic environment. Attention goes up, engagement goes up, interactivity rises. When we see this level of attention, engagement, and relating through well-facilitated discussions, we have the ideal environment for learning and transformation.”

    Molly McGinn Ph.D.
    Co-founder at Treehouse Learning Community

  • “Of Substance’s films have traversed the chasms of culture, language, and age. They are a way to imagine and relate to situations you haven’t been able to imagine in your own head. These are great tools for self-reflection and also helping others.”

    Rabbi Igael Gurin-Malous
    Founding Rabbi & CEO at T’Shuvah Center

  • “For people to demand an end to the opioid crisis we have to make it personal for them. Of Substance’s films immerse you in the graphic impact and effects of this crisis on individuals. Once you see one, it will become personal for you too. Meeting folks where they are is what makes this work so impactful.”

    Ed Rendell
    Former Governor of PA & former Head of the Democratic National Conventions

  • “Of Substance’s ability to articulate the struggles that are universally experienced by those who have endured the throes of addiction is nothing short of profound. The work they do and the way in which they communicate through immersive experiences have left me with a deeper sense of connection and understanding for those in my sphere who heroically deal with substance and alcohol addiction.”

    Jessica Buchanan
    NYT Bestselling author, professional speaker, Mental Health Advocate, & “We Should Talk About That” Podcast Host

  • “After the Of Substance workshop, I felt like I had a better understanding of what it is like to have an addiction and how it feels to the individual who is suffering. I totally resonted with what Alex said about how there is a deeper rooted issue and cause to the addiciton. It helped me become more empathetic toward people who are suffering from substance abuse. So thank you!”

    Student Peer Educator
    University of Miami, FL

Check Out What’s Happening.

  • Hane~Saga Film Conference.

    Our Co-founder and Executive Director Alex is a keynote speaker at this year’s Hane~Saga film conference in June!
    This conference focuses on the Future of Storytelling and Alex has been brought on to discuss making our entertainment more impactful.

    For more info and tickets — both in-person and virtual — click here.

  • Hide Your Crazy - New Film!

    Check out our current film that we’ve working on.
    At the end of May, we’re set to film this two-time award-winning script, with the help of some highly established Hollywood talent, and all in honor of MTV’s Mental Health Action Day.

    Click here to learn more about the project and how you can join our efforts and impact.

  • Recovery Revolution LIVE - Thursday April 14th @ 5p PDT / 8p EST

    Alex is thrilled to be interviewed LIVE on the Recovery Revolution Podcast this Thursday!

    Tune in Here Live

  • The Drunken Worm Podcast - April 12th

    Check out Alex’s interview with Carl Fessenden, host of The Drunken Worm Podcast!
    As a clinical supervisor in a treatment center, Carl dives deeply into Of Substance’s films’ value as tools for clinicians and treatment professionals.

    Listen Here!

Real Stories of Our Impact.

  • “You really inspired me and your story shows me that it’s possible to make it in the film industry after addiction is handled. I’ve let my addiction get in the way of the pursuit of my dreams & career for too long.”

  • “I had an ex that was an alcoholic and I did everything I could to support him and help him. After the Of Substance workshop, I felt like I had a better understanding of what it is like to have an addiction and how that feels to the individual who is suffering.”

  • “Watching Trapped helped my mother to personally, emotionally identify with how I feel when I try and fail to stay sober. That’s when we moved the conversation beyond ‘Why can’t you stop drinking’ to ‘I see you, I love you, I’m with you.’”

  • “I’m 66 years old and your film Day 94 made me finally see and accept that I have had a problem with alcohol for decades.”

  • “I’ve been dating a guy for 6 months now, and I really like him so I’ve been hiding my recovery from him in case it scares him away. Watching First Date made me realize that this isn’t helping me, him, or us, and I have nothing to be ashamed of.”

  • “I don’t even struggle with addiction and 11th Hour made me feel less alone in my experience of wondering whether I need help or not, both with alcohol and other things…”

  • “An excellent depiction of the “functioning and successful” alcoholic. And a reassuring reminder of the loving presence that is always with you and able to help if you allow it.”

  • “I never truly realized how much I was burning down the lives of those I loved. Partners not only allows me to see it but helps me see ways to communicate and relate our mutual shame.”

  • “I don’t struggle with addiction and still related so deeply. We all need tools to remind us of & to help us avoid our demons, whatever they are. Bandaids gave me a few new ideas for myself.”

  • “I never understood what my child was going through and didn't get it every time she’d tell me she was trying… I only judged. Shoe helped me understand better. She deserves all the credit in the world. I think I now know how to be a better father to her. Thank you.”

  • “I didn’t even realize how deeply affected I was by my mother’s bipolar disorder until I read this script. I can’t wait to see Booze and Brushes. I imagine it could help millions of people like me.”

  • “Reading the script for Like, I literally felt it and had chills. I want you to know, this is going to save someone’s life. Not only that, it’s going to save marriages and careers. I LOVE IT!!!”