Obscured Releasing Acquires North American Rights to Smartphone Documentary 'The Drug in Our Pocket'

Obscured Releasing has acquired North American distribution rights to Anne Sundberg's documentary "The Drug in Our Pocket," which examines the harmful effects of constant smartphone use on young people. The film will premiere Saturday at the Hamptons International Film Festival. The documentary features conversations with young people, parents, and experts on how digital environments shape attention and mental health. It will also screen at the Heartland and Newport Beach film festivals, with an Oscar-qualifying run planned for fall and a limited theatrical release in early 2027. The release coincides with numerous states and countries restricting cell phone use in schools and teen social media access. Sundberg previously co-directed films including "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" and "Reversing Roe," with the deal negotiated by producers and Obscured Releasing representatives.