James Wahlberg bringing drug addiction film to Seabrook

SEABROOK — The town's residents will be joined by a member of the Wahlberg family this month during a screening of a movie intended to raise awareness about drug addiction.

Director and producer James Wahlberg will appear at 6 p.m., May 24, at the Seabrook Community Center for a special showing of “If Only,” a 38-minute short film funded by the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. The film takes place in Tewksbury, Mass., and is intended to inform youths and their families about the dangers of addiction.

Wahlberg, who is the brother of actor Mark Wahlberg and New Kids on the Block member Donnie Wahlberg, will appear as a special guest. He is known for his work on animated films including “The Smurfs” (1981) and the “South Park” movie (1997).

"If Only" was funded by his brother's foundation along with Millennium Health.

The Wahlbergs are from Massachusetts and keep close ties to their community, in part by making films based in New England like “The Departed” and “The Fighter.”

The showing in Seabrook comes after more than 400 people died of heroin overdoses in New Hampshire last year.

Last year, there were 12 people who died of either suspected or confirmed overdoses in town. Seabrook Police Chief Michael Gallagher said there were 10 overdoses last month in town. None were fatal.

Maria Brown, who is helping organize the event, said the town is “very fortunate” to have the Wahlberg family bring their film to Seabrook. Brown said other Wahlbergs could make an appearance, but James Wahlberg is the only member of the famous family confirmed to be attending.

Kathy Terry, a former Hampton School Board member who is also involved in the event, said she appreciates the Wahlbergs working with communities like Seabrook to overcome a regional and national problem.

“The Wahlbergs are local boys. They grew up in Boston,” said Terry. “So I think it’s wonderful.”

After the film is shown, a panel of experts will be present to field questions from the crowd, including a representative from Gov. Maggie Hassan’s office and the state’s drug czar.

A video message from U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., will also be shown.

Tickets can be reserved at ifonlyseabrooknh.eventbrite.com. There is space for about 400 people and nearly 200 had been reserved as of Monday morning. Food and child care will be provided.