Monson welcomes international touring program FILM FORWARD

    MONSON — The town of Monson welcomes FILM FORWARD, an international touring program that offers film screenings, workshops and discussions with filmmakers. FILM FORWARD is an initiative of Sundance Institute and four U.S. federal cultural agencies.

    FILM FORWARD will travel to only eight locations worldwide this year. This is the first time these films will be screened in Monson. Maine is scheduled to be the last stop on this year’s tour and the final opportunity for the public to take advantage of this free cultural event.
    The goal of FILM FORWARD is to build communities and engage audiences through film and to use it as a vehicle for cultural dialogue. The program extends beyond the screen to create audience interaction. The unique dialogue that happens at FILM FORWARD events can affect change in attitudes and perceptions. FILM FORWARD brings artists and audiences together to experience a story in hopes of gaining understanding, realizing commonalities and challenging perspectives of issues that may divide us. FILM FORWARD will provide area students a unique opportunity to engage in discussions with award-winning film makers.
    Beginning Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., the eight films will be screened at the Monson Community Center at 35 Greenville Road. Michael Gottwald, producer of Academy Award nominated “Beasts of the Southern Wild” and Laura Nix, the filmmaker for  the documentary “The Light in her Eyes” will attend the program in Monson to participate in post-screening discussions. Gottwald and Nix will also be participating at screenings held at four local high schools — Greenville High School, Piscataquis Community Secondary School, Foxcroft Academy and Hermon High School.
    The screenings held at the Monson Community Center are free and are open to the public. The evening screenings held at Greenville and Hermon High Schools are also free and open to the public. Area residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this exciting cultural event.
    For information call the Monson Town Office at 997-3641. For a full schedule of events visit www.sundance.org/filmforward or www.monsonmaine.org.