On Friday, Fred & I flew to NYC, where the film "A Man Named Pearl" was premiering. Fred did the music for the documentary which was directed by Scott Galloway and Brent Pierson.
A flurry of reviews preceded our arrival, including two really good ones in the NY Times and Village Voice. Attendance at the Angelika wasn't overwhelming for any of the indie offerings on Friday night. (The new Batman movie premiered the same night, as did "Mama Mia.") But the folks who were in attendance really enjoyed seeing "A Man Named Pearl" and they definitely enjoyed meeting him.
Saturday morning Fred, Scott, Monica & I took a train from Penn Station to Boston (a 4 hour trip). The next 4 hours were spent in a rental car as the four of us headed to the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) in Waterville. I'd never been to Maine (heck, I'd never been to Boston) so I was delighted when we stopped in Portland where a friendly parking attendant advised us to visit the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams.
The Maine beaches are quite different from those in NC and SC.
So much for leaving footprints in the sand. But with views like this, who cares? 
The lighthouse is quite an icon. Hundreds of calendars feature it. So I add my pic of it here. (In case you've never bought an American Lighthouses calendar.)
Afterwards, we piled back into our Avis Impala and headed for Waterville. The town boasts a population of about 14,000. And its the site of an international film festival that presents an incredible array of independent offerings. As film makers, Scott & Fred received goodie bags filled with many treats. I was delighted to find packages of Atlantic kelp in the booty. (Barrel firing fodder!!!!!)
The MIFF folks put us up in a wonderful cabin on a most beautiful lake. The movie "On Golden Pond" comes to mind, especially since there were loons a-plenty on the lake. They make a music all their own. It lulled me into slumber Saturday night. But not before Scott, Monica, Fred & I all took a turn in the kayak. We had calm, beautiful waters to navigate.
Both of Scott's films -- "Children of All Ages" and "A Man Named Pearl" were shown at the Opera House in Waterville on Sunday night...closing out the festival. And both were warmly received. ("A Man Named Pearl will be available on dvd around Thanksgiving. I highly recommend it!)
Monday found us driving back to Boston. Our flight was delayed but we made it back home around 11pm, exhausted yet energized at the same time. It was a magnificent weekend. Time spent with creative people - whatever the medium - feeds the spirit. But it's good to be home.
8 comments:
Wow, it sounds like you had a wonderful whirlwind of a trip. Glad you enjoyed it.
That looks like a great trip. Beautiful scenery.
Hey the Cleveland County Arts Council's Reel to Real film fest starts today and goes through Sat.
It's at the Joy theater in Kings Mountain. I'll have a link on my blog. Pass it along to anyone who may be interested.
wow.. what a trip. I'm a bit jealous. how beautiful it must have been. Now I want to see 'a man named pearl.'
Wow Becky, that is really cool about Fred!
I love New England and can't wait to go back on day. I lived in Boston for a summer and use to go to Maine on Family camping trips when I was little. I'm sure the weather is wonderful! Have a wonderful trip! jen
John --- it was certainly a whirlwind. 50% of the time was spent traveling. But doggone it was all good! Looks like your trip is great too. See ya soon?
Ron --- wonderful trip. I love the Carolinas but should I ever choose to leave I'd be heading for Maine. Saw some fabulous pottery in Portland. Many whimsical pieces (faceted) that reminded me of what you taught us in class. Thanks for the info on the Reel to Real film fest. Are you going?
Amy --- my turn to be jealous when you head for Costa Rica! Once the dvd is released I'll be happy to introduce you to A Man Named Pearl. He's an amazing man & his story is uplifting.
Jen --- I'll be glad when fall arrives and I can see you around Clayworks again. Having never been to New England I had no idea what to expect. I'm home now but I can't wait to go back. I totally fell in love with Maine.
hey becky, thats some roadtrip & stunning scenery...
Hi Ang, I'm glad you stopped by! Yes, the scenery was luscious. Even had me contemplating a move there someday. Until several Mainers mentioned they had 31" of snow last winter. Now I'm reconsidering. ;)
Oops. Left out a numeral. 131" of snow.
Post a Comment