Scientology Network’s DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for Independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the unflinching documentary Confessions of a Runner on August 8, 2025.
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network.
In an extraordinary test of endurance and strength, Confessions of a Runner follows elite ultra runner Patrick Vaughan as he attempts to traverse the 292-mile-long Lebanon Mountain Trail—just following the deepest battle of his life: overcoming drug addiction.
Directed by Lebanon-born filmmaker Bachar Khattar, the film captures the athlete’s harrowing seven-day push across the length of Lebanon. Threaded throughout are Patrick’s unguarded reflections on his journey through physical ailments and prescription drugs, which spiraled into an addiction to heroin.
Bachar offers more than a portrait of physical perseverance, he delivers a stark view of the opioid crisis and one man’s determined rise from addiction to a life defined by purpose and strength.
Confessions of a Runner received more than 20 international awards and accolades, including honors from the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival.
Bachar Khattar grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, where he finished his studies in audiovisual at Saint Joseph University. Bachar’s versatility in filmmaking has led to productions in more than 25 countries around the world. His work includes award-winning commercials, documentaries and television programs. Confessions of a Runner is Bachar’s directorial debut in the documentary genre.
In an interview with Scientology Network for DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, Bachar conveyed the message of his film:
“If someone like Patrick, who was addicted to heroin, had the chance to change his life completely by himself, it’s easy to feel how much power you can have. And this is why I made this film.”
Patrick Vaughan is an entrepreneur, executive producer and ultra athlete. He was a standout soccer player in his youth until a life-altering physical disability ended his athletic participation. Later, overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, Vaughan went on to run the North Face Endurance Challenge and, three years later, his first ultra marathon.
In an interview with Scientology Network for DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, Patrick said:
“For me it was very much a story of, if we’re going to make this film, I want to like basically put my heart into it. Sharing not just my experience, but just shedding light on the whole thing.”
Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.
DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning Independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues.
For more information, visit scientology.tv/docs.
Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network’s innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards.
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