To the Editor,

A note of appreciation goes out to founder Cristin Carlin and all those involved in The Newtown Film Festival, organizers and artists, alike. What a grand array of artistry and creativity last weekend on Main Street! One cannot find this kind of quality and variety, in subject and style, on the screen anywhere but at a first-rate film festival such as this one.  How fortunate we were to be enchanted, inspired and entertained by these remarkable works--right here in our town!

The Connecticut filmmakers segment stood out as it showcased great talent in our midst. The metaphoric animated Serotiny and the rollicking live-action The Adventures of Tommie and Richie made it clear that Newtown itself is home to true rising stars in filmmaking, Sarah Talbot and Patrick Godino. How exciting!

The segment prior to this treated viewers to a series of shorts, many making their east coast, national and even world premiers here this weekend. Ranging from DaliVinCasso, splashing around physical humor and art commentary and  Kiko's Paradise, illustrating the magic of paint and generosity, to the personal discoveries of beauty in The Wanderer; this showing was one great ride after another. On Sunday, many may have agreed, as we did, with critic Robbie Collin who has called Song of the Sea "instantly life-improving." The exquisite, masterful hand-drawn animation astounded us as a moving tale of legend and adventure played out. This Academy Award nominated feature film gave strength to the argument that the pen is mightier than the pixel as it delivered one incredible visual treasure after another. As did this weekend long festival, with its full agenda of activities, features and shorts.

For those who missed it, happily a return of the festival next year seems to be on the docket. For those of us who were lucky to attend, we thank the sponsors, Edmond Town Hall, and the hardworking team that created this program of dazzling entertainment and great inspiration – a tremendous job and a fantastic weekend in Newtown!

Jane Luongo

9 Main Street, Newtown                          September 21, 2015