Award-Winning Athens Film Withdrawal Comes to Ciné

Athens, Georgia is once again serving as the backdrop for Aaron Strand’s debut film, Withdrawal, a project born from the filmmaker’s personal experiences with addiction. After a successful run on the indie film festival circuit, including a sold-out world premiere at the Atlanta Film Festival in May 2025 and a hometown premiere at the Athens Film Festival in August, Withdrawal will be screened at Ciné from February 6–12.

A Story Rooted in Athens

Withdrawal centres on Viv, played by Athens native Millie Rose Evans, and Jay, as they navigate heroin withdrawal together. The film aims to humanize the opioid crisis, presenting a love story set against the challenges of addiction and recovery. Strand describes Athens as “the perfect canvas” for this story, noting that those familiar with the city will recognise its spirit within the film.

The Artistic Life in Athens

Strand explains that Athens fosters both hope and disillusionment for artists. He observes a pattern where creatives initially embrace the city’s vibrant scene, but may later seek shortcuts to success. Evans, who has received several Best Actress awards for her performance, embodies this artistic spirit, having also written and performed two songs for the film.

Did You Know? Aaron Strand worked at the hot bar of Earth Fare for six years while dedicating himself to learning the craft of filmmaking.

Although not strictly autobiographical, Withdrawal draws from Strand’s own journey to sobriety, a process that began in 2013. He emphasizes the accessibility of micro-budget filmmaking and the importance of honing storytelling skills, skills he developed while living in Athens.

Community Screenings and a Return to Cinema

The week-long run at Ciné will feature daily screenings, each hosted by a different local organization or community figure. Hosts include Fuel Hot Yoga, Project Safe, Agora Vintage, Montu Miller, the Athens Film Festival, Mayor Kelly Girtz, and Nuçi’s Space. Each host will lead a Q&A session with cast and crew members, focusing on topics relevant to their respective fields.

Expert Insight: By partnering with diverse community organizations, Strand is attempting to leverage existing trust and build a broader audience for his independent film, recognizing the challenges of marketing a film without major industry backing.

Strand hopes these screenings will foster a sense of community around cinema, lamenting the decline of movie theaters as “third spaces” for connection. He believes that community support is crucial for independent films like Withdrawal to gain traction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Withdrawal about?

Withdrawal is a film about a couple, Viv and Jay, who attempt to break their codependent heroin addiction during a night of withdrawal. It is set in Athens, Georgia and inspired by Aaron Strand’s experiences with addiction.

Who stars in Withdrawal?

Millie Rose Evans plays Viv and Brent Michal plays Jay. Evans is an Athens native and has won several Best Actress awards for her performance.

When and where will Withdrawal be screened in Athens?

Withdrawal will be screened at Ciné from February 6–12. Each screening will be hosted by a different local organization or community figure.

How might the collaborative approach to screenings—with different community organizations hosting each event—impact the film’s reception and reach within Athens?