'Lost' Finds Its Way Home

It all started with a television show on A&E, and now the dream of two men wanting to change the country's perception of homelessness is one of the most popular documentaries among this country's film festivals.

"Lost in Woonsocket" chronicles the experiences of John Chester and Andre Miller after they come across two homeless alcoholics living in the woods of Woonsocket, R.I.

The film will make its Woonsocket premiere this Saturday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at the Stadium Theatre.

"Lost in Woonsocket" also played to sold-out shows and was the official selection at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas. It will premiere at the Newport Film Festival later this year.

Chester and Miller, who formed Random 1, an "undercover" philanthropic organization, traveled across the country on their mission of helping people and came to Woonsocket on a whim (Andre thought the town had a funny name).

In Woonsocket, they found Mark. He had not talked to his family in five years and lived in the woods with another alcoholic named Normand. They lived in a tarp-covered tent littered with beer and vodka bottles.

When engaging strangers, Chester and Miller had a strict rule of never spending money, but something different happened with Mark. Within minutes the pair broke their rule. Mark was close to going into withdrawal so they bought him a 40 ounce beer.

After learning that a $250 insurance deductible kept Mark from getting into detox, they broke their rule again. Chester put up the money.

Random 1 aired its episode with Mark last year on its A&E television show, also called "Random 1."

It garnered more critical praise and response than any of the "Random 1" episodes. And it also brought a letter from Mark's father, thanking Chester and Miller for helping his son and reimbursing the detox money.

The team also received an e-mail from Normand's children. They had not seen their father in 13 years, and asked for Random 1's help in finding him.

"Lost in Woonsocket" is a compilation of the the two A&E episodes featuring Mark and Normand, with behind the scenes footage and some footage shot after the show was cancelled.

The film is utterly compelling. It does not feel like a typical documentary; it feels both intimate and unforced. The camera does not interfere with any of the action taking place.

In the course of the Mark and Normand's journey to a better life we see the shelters that help them and the people who have lived through the same hopelessness that alcoholism creates.

Everyone seems oblivious to the camera, which is good because we see them as genuinely as we should. The emotions are real, and the movie does not exploit that. Everyone is real and react authentically to each other. When you see the hope that enters the eyes of Mark and Normand when they spy a chance for salvation, you cannot help empathize with them. This is, of course, the best a documentary can hope for.

The screening at Stadium Theatre is also a fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Matthew 25 Center for Hope and Crossroads Rhode Island both of which were featured in the film. Normand Cartier, who has been making appearances around the country at the various screenings will also be there to talk after the film.

For more information on Random 1, visit www.random1.com.