While I figure out how to customize this site, read about the Premier and the film FESTA, which premiers September 14 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
World Premier Announced for, FESTA, A Documentary about the world’s largest Portuguese Feast in New Bedford, MA
September 14th at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Collaboration with AHA!
Boston-based media production company Allston Street Films is pleased to announce the world premiere screening of the documentary FESTA on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, in collaboration with AHA!. AHA! is an initiative supported by businesses and cultural agencies in downtown New Bedford that features free live music, theater, fine art, and dining one night a month in cobblestone streets of New Bedford’s historic downtown. “We are proud to premier this film to the city of New Bedford, and feel it is particularly appropriate that a film showcasing the cultural richness of this city should premier at AHA! night,” says producer Josh Youman. FESTA tells the story of the largest Portuguese feast in the world, established by Madeiran immigrants in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The theatrical premier precedes the world television premier of the Portuguese-language version of the film on RTP International, a state-funded Portuguese satellite channel.
This sweeping documentary film takes viewers on spectacular journey through New Bedford’s vibrant Portuguese community and then crosses the Atlantic Ocean to explore the very roots of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. FESTA examines the connections and differences between the Feasts of the Old World and the Feast of the immigrants. In the end, this film is about the lasting power of tradition, the bonds of family, and the cultural richness brought to the shores of America by immigrant communities.
“I grew up in the shadow of this massive event, which attracts over 200,000 people every year,” says producer and director Joe Sousa. “I would listen to stories from my grandfather and others about the almost mythical beauty of the island of Madeira. In some ways it is a very personal film about the journey of a tradition. My goal in making this film is to have the viewers experience this spectacular journey.” “But it also speaks to something universal about tradition, family, and the immigrant experience,” adds co-producer Josh Youman. “Though the focus is of course on the Portuguese Community, I feel that any American who has ever wondered about their family history and how they came to be in this country will find a deep emotional connection to this film.”
The 30-minute film will be screened at both 6pm and 8pm at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Theatre (18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, 02740-6398. A reception with the filmmakers, will follow the 8pm premier at New Bedford’s Museum of Madeiran Heritage (27 Hope St., New Bedford, MA 02745). Admission to all events is free and open to the public.
The FESTA DVD is now available for purchase. Get your copy at the premiere this Thursday. Want one now? Reserve your copy at info@allstonstreetfilms.com
