‍The Addiction of Hope, directed by Martin A. Gottlieb, is a heartfelt story about personal growth, change, and resilience. The film, which won Best Feature at the 2025 Santa Fe Film Festival, centers on Jo Stock, an actress whose career has slowed with time, forcing her to reevaluate her life, her choices, and her future. Played by Anne-Marie Johnson, Jo’s journey is one of rediscovery, navigating a changing landscape both professionally and personally.

Anne-Marie Johnson’s performance in the role has drawn praise for its depth and sincerity, and she was honored with the prestigious Trailblazer Award in recognition of her remarkable career, spanning more than four decades in both television and film.

The film’s premise speaks to a universal truth: life changes, and sometimes it’s up to us to make those changes happen. Jo, once celebrated for her acting talent, is now looking at a quieter reality. As she confronts the challenges of aging, she’s faced with the question of how to stay true to herself and find new ways to thrive.

“I know fantasy films are extremely popular, and many folks want to escape from their daily lives, but I’m a fan of topics I can relate to. The Addiction of Hope is that kind of film,” Johnson said. “Audience responses to our film have been so heartwarming and validating. I’m proud that our project is a ‘thinking person’s’ film. Marty’s script is written so subtly, and his direction was introspective… there are no false moments, or manipulative tools used to get a response. It’s real.”

At the core of The Addiction of Hope is Jo’s experience as she contemplates the next chapter of her life. Johnson’s portrayal captures the depth of a woman who is both confronting and embracing the realities of change. As Jo faces the ebbing of her career, she grapples with reconciling her past successes with the more uncertain future ahead.

“Art is a tough business,” Johnson reflects. “Myriad feelings, life experiences, backgrounds, points of views… Jo’s career progression (or lack thereof) is left in the hands of strangers. Sometimes decisions are arbitrary. Most times, they’re not. Then when race, ethnicity, age, and gender are added to the mix, it’s a wonder she stayed in the business as long as she did.”

Gottlieb sees Jo’s story as emblematic of the broader challenges that women in Hollywood face. “Meritocracy rarely exists, and the arts are so subjective anyway. How do you reconcile talent with the realities of judgment?” he says. “Talent, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. But if you’re an older woman of color, you’re also judged on all those things—and that judgment hinders her.”

The Addiction of Hope places Jo at the intersection of three powerful and often compounding forces: age, gender, and race. Through Jo’s journey, the film gives voice to the complex ways that people are judged and dismissed based on these characteristics. In Jo’s case, her aging process is compounded by the added obstacles of race and gender, creating a barrier to opportunity that many people in similar positions can relate to.

“Jo’s story is also everyone’s story,” says Johnson. “We are all judged, each and every day. Especially in this country and in this industry. Being subjected to public review is not for the faint of heart. Jo is a fighter. Certainly NOT a quitter, which makes her decisions even more daunting.”

Gottlieb elaborates on the impact of these compounded judgments: “Despite feeling like she never belonged anywhere, like she was invisible, never loved, she’s a survivor. She succeeds. Because she’s a determined fighter. She’s smart. But now, she’s older. And the runway is getting shorter. And she’s alone.”

The film also draws from Gottlieb’s personal experiences, particularly his relationship with Johnson. As an interracial couple, both Gottlieb and Johnson have navigated the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations throughout their lives.

“We’ve been together for 40 years. We’ve learned from each other culturally as well as genderally,” Gottlieb says.

Johnson, reflecting on their shared journey, explains how their experiences shaped Jo’s story. “I’m an African American first. It’s who I am. It’s the most important thing about me. By the time a female actor reaches 35-40, their work opportunities plummet. It’s even worse for women of color. I certainly experienced a noticeable change in my career.”

‍
While The Addiction of Hope tackles deep issues, it is also a story of resilience and the possibility of reinvention. Johnson’s portrayal of Jo highlights a crucial aspect of the film: that no matter the obstacles, it is possible to find hope, even in the darkest moments.

“There is such a hopeful and positive message in our film, but it’s not sugar-coated,” Johnson says. “It’s tough. It’s sometimes painful. But it is hopeful.”

Gottlieb agrees, noting the film’s ability to offer an honest portrayal of Jo’s struggle while still leaving room for hope. “Despite the fact the world pushes older folks to the side, and if you’re a woman and a woman of color, and you’re of a certain age… it’s just too much. But we’re not done yet. And neither is Jo.”

Through The Addiction of Hope, both Gottlieb and Johnson have created a film that not only challenges the entertainment industry but also gives voice to those who are too often pushed aside. It’s a reminder that, while the world may push certain individuals out, it is their perseverance, their resilience, and their determination to fight that will ultimately lead them to their own sense of fulfillment.

The Addiction of Hope stands as a poignant reflection on the power of determination and the importance of confronting both personal and societal challenges. The film speaks to everyone who has ever faced judgment, battled self-doubt, and fought for a place in the world. And it offers a message of hope that is as powerful as it is necessary.