Film About Northport Native’s Struggle With Addiction to be Shown at Engeman Theater

Residents are invited to watch a short film about a Northport native and her struggle to remain sober in her first year of recovery as part of a Northport-East Northport Drug & Alcohol Task Force fundraiser.

“GRACE,” directed and produced by Northport graduate Marisa Vitali, was filmed in Northport at Tim’s Shipwreck Diner.

“GRACE” will be shown Tuesday, June 7 at John W. Engeman Theater, located at 250 Main St. A VIP reception will be held at 6 p.m. and the movie will be shown from 7-9 p.m. About 300 people are expected to attend.

Following the film, Vitali will discuss her experience with addition, what it’s like to be in recovery and how residents can change the issue of drug addiction.

Vitali hopes her film will bridge the gap between addicts and non-addicts and start a positive conversation about recovery. Vitali explains what inspired her to create this short film:

“I felt like a turtle without a shell, raw and emotionally exposed. This was the story I wanted to tell in the film 'GRACE.' Anyone can watch a film and learn how to shoot a bag of dope or smoke a crack pipe. I wanted to tell a story of hope and recovery and bridge a gap between addicts and non-addicts to start that conversation of recovery. There is something to be said about how we can all be a little more compassionate for one’s struggle to overcome against all odds.”

The event will also include a Q&A session with Marisa & Barry Zaks, the Project Director of Huntington Drug and Alcohol, as well as a silent auction/raffle auction.

Tickets sales, raffles and silent auction proceeds will benefit Northport's community prevention agency, The YDA (Youth Directions & Alternatives). 

The YDA is a non-profit agency that looks to empower kids ages 11-12 by developing their potential, self-esteem and giving them the opportunity to use their energy in self-satisfying and socially acceptable directions.

Tickets to the event cost $10 for teens (ages 14-18), $20 for adults and $30 for VIP. Purchase tickets here. For VIP tickets, contact Anthony Ferrandino: 631-486-7230 or Anthony.Ferrandino@northport.k12.ny.us