Movie theaters in Rockland, Portland, and Waterville are partnering with the statewide nonprofit Finding Our Voices to roll out October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the screening of a powerful documentary followed by a survivor-led community discussion.

The opening premiere event is at The Strand Theatre in Rockland on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m., with further dates at the Portland Museum of Art on Friday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m., and the Maine Film Center in Waterville on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. 

After the hour-long screening, local survivors of domestic abuse with Finding Our Voices will lead a conversation about the film and discuss warning signs of abuse. The discussion will help with practical ways community members can support a loved one or neighbor who may be at risk.

"Out at Six," directed by Livi Kessel, follows the story of Kessel's own abusive relationship, starting when she was 17 years old, against the eight stages that predict domestic violence homicide. Through interviews with friends and family who witnessed each stage from an increasing distance due to the classic abuser tactic of isolation, the film reveals how easy it is for loved ones, as well as the victim, to miss or dismiss warning signs.

Brita Wanger of the Strand Theatre notes, "'Out at Six' is revelatory because it shows how gradual and quiet the early stages of an abusive relationship can look from the outside. This film tells an affecting story, and it also provides an empowering toolkit for friends, family, and community members. We're honored to screen it alongside Finding Our Voices and to give our community a space to talk about it together afterward."

Mike Perrault of the Maine Film Center said, "Film is a powerful medium—especially when experienced in the cinema—that enables important conversations, discoveries, and advocacy. We look forward to hosting deep conversations through this screening and Q&A, and bringing light to the stories of survivors of domestic violence."

Patrisha McLean, CEO and Founder of Finding Our Voices, said that she had been on the lookout for a documentary film that could open minds and eyes of Maine audiences to the reality of domestic abuse for the entire five years her group has been a nonprofit. 

"The filmmaker Livi lives in Athens," McLean said, "and it was a highlight of my life when I got to spend the day with her this past May on the magical island of Hydra. Her movie explores like no other the insidious ways that abusers rob you of your autonomy, as well as march you into danger. I am so grateful to have such illustrious partners as the Strand Theatre, Portland Museum of Art, and Maine Film Center, bringing this riveting cinematic experience and critical education to Maine audiences." 

Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow, the color of Finding Our Voices. 

Event information:  Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m. - Strand Theatre, Rockland; Friday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. - Portland Museum of Art, Portland; Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. - Maine Film Center in downtown Waterville. Ticket information is on each venue's website.

Finding Our Voices is the survivor-powered, grassroots nonprofit breaking the silence of domestic abuse across Maine, including in schools, and providing heart-healing and life-saving support and resources to Maine women survivors and their children. For more information visit https://findingourvoices.net