ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre, in partnership with Finding Our Voices, presents a screening of the documentary Out at Six on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., to mark the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The screening will be followed by a survivor-led panel discussion on recognizing the warning signs of domestic abuse and how neighbors, friends, and family members can help loved ones escape escalating danger.

The event is part of a Finding Our Voices "Break the Silence" statewide tour, with the screening and discussion traveling to Portland, Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m., to the Portland Museum of Art, and to Waterville, Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m., to the Maine Film Center.

Out at Six, directed by Livi Kessel, follows the story of Kessel's own abusive relationship starting when she was 17 years old and through the stages that research has shown can predict domestic violence homicide, according to Finding Our Voices, in a news release. 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 the warning signs. 

Following the screening, a panel of Finding Our Voices survivors will share what resonated with them about Livi's story and lead a community conversation on the patterns of domestic abuse, how to recognize them, and practical ways community members and loved ones can support someone who may be at risk.

"Out at Six is revelatory because it shows how gradual and quiet the early stages of an abusive relationship can look from the outside,"said Brita Wanger of the Strand Theatre. "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."

Patrisha McLean, CEO and founder of Finding Our Voices, has 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, and finally found it, through a connection at the 2025 Camden International Film Festival, with Out at Six.  

 "The filmmaker Livi lives in Athens," she said, "and it was a highlight of my life when I got to spend the day with her this past May on the island of Hydra. Her movie explores like no other the insidious ways that abusers rob you of your autonomy, and I am so grateful to the historic Strand Theatre, as well as the Portland Museum of Art and Maine Film Center, for 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:

October 1 5:30 PM

Strand Theatre, Rockland Maine

Tickets available at rocklandstrand.com or at the box office

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