From Hollywood to Portland – Chance Encounter Leads to Maine Film Fest

The Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR) is sponsoring the first-ever New England REEL Recovery Film Festival. The three-day event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on June 23 and concludes late in the day Sunday, June 25. The event is taking place at The University of Southern Maine’s Hannaford Hall in Portland, ME. The screenings will range from Maine-produced documentaries to Oscar-nominated feature films. Each film will explore themes of addiction, recovery and hope.

The idea for the festival was sparked by a chance encounter between Dr. Ron Springel, Executive Director of MARR and Leonard Buschel of Los Angeles. “While waiting for a flight at Rochester airport, Mr. Buschel and I began a friendly conversation that quickly revealed an opportunity,” said Springel. Buschel, a person in long-term recovery and author, was also the founder and producer of the REEL Recovery Film Festival based in Los Angeles. The two quickly realized that New England had never seen anything like the 7-day festival Leonard has produced over the last 12 years.

“MARR is thrilled to be bringing the Film Festival to Maine. This event, a year in the making, will provide an opportunity to celebrate our progress in promoting recovery and reducing stigma,” said Springel. Funds raised from the event will go to MARR’s Bed Scholarship Fund, which benefits those who cannot come up with a first month’s rent in a recovery house. Many of the individuals who need a place to live during their recovery cannot afford to do so. “We know that over half our applicants for a bed cannot afford the first month’s rent for a recovery home. We anticipate this event will benefit up to 100 people,” said Springel. Recovery Homes are alcohol and drug free with rules, and supports aimed at helping persons in early recovery from substance use disorder to maintain sobriety.

Springel brought the idea of replicating the LA event in New England back to MARR’s Board and staff. It was quickly approved as the first major fund-raising effort for the Bed Scholarship Fund.

“Sponsors from Maine and across the country stepped up to support this event,” said Springel. “People offered to give their time and money. Some went to extraordinary lengths.”

To learn more about the film festival or to get tickets visit MARR’s website at https://www.mainerecoveryresidences.com/.

About MARR

The Maine Association of Recovery Residences is a Maine charitable organization (501-C-3) dedicated to safer recovery housing. It is the Maine affiliate of the parent organization, the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). MARR annually inspects and certifies its members’ recovery homes to be sure they adhere to the standards set by NARR. MARR provides training and education, technical assistance, help to new operators, outcomes data collection and analysis, naloxone and naloxone training, grievance mediation and a host of other services. MARR is active with the legislature in proposing and supporting bills that advance the resources available to the state’s residences and the people who live there. The organization’s guiding principle is the welfare of the over 800 people who live in a MARR-certified recovery home.

To find a MARR-certified Recovery Residence near you or for more information, visit

https://www.Mainerecoveryresidences.com.