Freedom and Unity TV is an annual film contest for young Vermonters who make short films about their lives, passions and interests in their home state of Vermont. The films are judged by professionals in the film industry and awarded prizes. In 2016, 94 films were submitted. This is a selection of some of the films. There will be a Q&A with the filmmakers following the screening.
Sincerely, Vermont
by James Abrams |3 min 45 sec | Rochester Institute of Technology
An experimental film with a raw interpretation of the things I see in my town.
Breaking Binary
by Eva Rocheleau, Becca Cottrell, Fiona Nelson | 14 min 58 sec | Champlain Valley Union High School and home schooled
Depicts the complications of a binary gender system in today’s education system.
Extreme Walking
by Reilly Dillon | 3 min 3 sec | Saint Michaels College
Extreme walker Mike Hunt takes walking to the next level. Check out his incredible skills in this action packed three minute video. This was a school project. Filmed in under a hour.
Red Roots
by Zane Swift | 2 min 5 sec | South Burlington High School
An exploration into the roots of political parties in Vermont.
Humans Of Burlington
by Danielle Hazelton | 5 min 44 sec | Champlain College
A short experimental documentary portraying the stories of individuals all connected through the city of Burlington, Vermont. The stories highlight ideas of failure, passion, disabilities, love, success, beauty, and advice.
Lake Champlain: The Untold Story
by Mason Mashtare | 9 min | Northwest Technical Center
This film is informative, but at the same time it has heart and perspective from locals. The voiceover is backed up by strong visuals.
The Saint Alban’s Raid (3:44)
by Laurent Gagne | 3 min 44 sec | Bellows Free Academy
It was made to look like an old film. I was greatly inspired by the 1903 film, “The Great Train Robbery”.
Stolen
by Rhea Hayes and Alex Schlater | 13 min 48 sec | Champlain College
A documentary about cyber deception and telling both sides of the story
Peace or Prozac
by Leah Kaliski | 2 min 5 sec | Thetford Academy
This is the story of my depressive episode in 9th grade, told entirely in pictures.
A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screenings.
The 2016 Vermont Filmmakers’ Showcase is underwritten by the Grace Jones Richardson Trust with additional funding from Ben & Jerry Scoop Shops and a grant from the Arts Council of Vermont.