Beyond the Finish Line: A Documentary About Recovery and Hope at Tiverton Public Library (Credit: Tiverton Public Library)

The Tiverton Public Library will host a free screening of “Beyond the Finish Line,” a documentary about addiction recovery and hope, on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Filmmaker Doug Fingliss will present his deeply personal film and lead a discussion following the screening at the library at 34 Roosevelt Avenue. The event, held in honor of National Recovery Month, is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

“Beyond the Finish Line” chronicles Fingliss’s journey from the depths of alcoholism to recovery and his pursuit of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The documentary features raw footage and intimate moments from his struggle with addiction, including health collapse, emotional numbness and near-death experiences.

The film documents how Fingliss rebuilt his life through sobriety, therapy, community support and running. What began as a path to physical recovery became a journey of emotional and spiritual resilience, culminating in his quest to achieve what once seemed impossible.

“It’s a story of vulnerability and grit,” organizers said in announcing the screening. “It’s a testament to the power of second chances, the beauty of small changes, and the belief that no matter how far you’ve fallen, it’s never too late to start running toward something better.”

The documentary explores not only the pain of addiction but also the silence, shame and self-loathing that accompany it. Through revisiting key places from his past and reflecting on his experiences, Fingliss invites viewers into the reality of addiction and the possibility of transformation.

The screening aligns with the library’s mission to serve as an essential resource for personal growth and community enrichment. Library services aim to enhance the educational, cultural, social and economic well-being of the community.

For more information about the event, contact the Tiverton Public Library at 401-625-6796.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...