Far Out: Life On & After the Commune

Description

Synopsis

The film traces fifty years in the lives of a group of New England writers, activists, and artists. In 1968, amidst a left-wing factional conflict, a group of radical journalists left New York City for rural life, becoming pioneers in the back-to-the-land and organic farming movements.

In 1973, when a massive nuclear power plant was planned nearby, they became active opponents. In a dramatic act of civil disobedience, commune member Sam Lovejoy toppled a 500-foot weather tower on the site, turned himself in, and, after a highly publicized trial, was acquitted.

The group went on to lead the burgeoning anti-nuclear movement, engaging in significant battles over atomic power in Seabrook, NH, and beyond. In 1979, they joined forces with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, and other committed rock stars to produce five sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden and a massive rally.

Blending contemporary interviews with a remarkable trove of original archival footage, Far Out is lively, humorous, inspiring, and irreverent. The film vividly recounts history while exploring universal themes of grappling over a lifetime with politics, relationships, morality, spirituality, civic engagement, and the search for home.

Director

Charles Light

Born in 1949 in New York City, Charlie has been involved in the film and video industry since 1973 when he co-founded Green Mountain Post Films (GMP Films), a production and distribution company. Along with partner Dan Keller, Charlie produced and directed many award winning films on nuclear power, the environment, the Vietnam War, art and politics, the cannabis issue, peace issues and other topics. GMP films have been featured at Lincoln Center as part of the New York Film Festival, Madison Square Garden and the Pompidou Center in Paris They have also been broadcast nationally and internationally and shown at theaters, town meetings, colleges, community gatherings, high schools, boardrooms, churches, museums, and Congressional and legislative hearing rooms.

Theatrical Screenings

Latchis Theater, Brattleboro, VT
Screening Room, Newburyport, MA
Putnam Theater, Keene, NH
Greenfield Garden, Greenfield, MA
Savoy Theater, Montpelier, VT
Black Box Theater, Burlington, VT
Community Theater, Peterborough, NH
Savoy Theater, Montpelier, VT
Real Art Ways, Hartford, CT
The Venue, Lexington, MA
Shea Theater, Turners Falls, MA
Essex Cinema, Essex, VT
Kittery Dance Hall, Kittery, ME
Space 538, Portland, ME
Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, VT
Violet Crown, Austin, TX
Santa Monica Laemmle, Santa Monica, CA
Claremont Laemmle, Claremont, CA
Glendale Laemmle, Glendale, CA
Newhall Laemmle, Newhall, CA
Encino Laemmle, Encino, CA
Amherst Cinema, Amherst, MA
Opera House, Bellows Falls, VT
Highland Ctr for Arts, Greensboro, VT
Catamount Ctr for Arts, St. Johnsbury, VT
Weldon Theater, St. Albans, VT
Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, ME