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, in the middle of a left wing faction fight, a group of radical journalists left New York City for the country where they became pioneers in the back-to-the-land and organic farming movement. 

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

The group became leaders in the burgeoning anti-nuclear movement. The film tracks the dramatic battles over atomic power in Seabrook, NH and elsewhere. In 1979, they teamed up with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash and other committed rock stars to produce five nights of sold out concerts at Madison Square Garden and a massive rally.

Blending contemporary interviews and a remarkable trove of original archival footage, Far Out is lively, humorous, inspiring and irreverent. The film is vital, telling the history but hewing to the universal themes of how we grapple–over a lifetime–with politics, relationships, morality, spirituality, civic engagement and finding our 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.