Lincoln Theater

Sun, 06/23/2024 - 19:20

Christine Belknap

Maine Wood Duck. Courtesy of Lincoln Theater/Photo copyright Lee Ann Szelog and Mark Szelog

The first ever documentary on Maine wildlife, filmed and produced in Maine, premieres a Damariscotta's historic Lincoln Theater Sunday, June 30 at 2 p.m. This film is gorgeous and not to be missed.

Here is what film reviewer Christine Merser had to say: "One minute and 51 seconds into this spectacular private tour of the behind-the-scenes of my beloved Maine, this amazing state we call home, I started weeping. "a Peace of Forest" was taking me on a tour of a simple life, without McDonald's drive-throughs, and too many people walking the pathways we call nature, with our phones and earbuds, and dogs on leashes, and our frenetic lives following us every minute. I could see the value of mirroring the animals with whom we share this incredible planet. I could see what is lost by the way I live my own life.

Then I settled in, put my chaotic mind on mute, and watched some of the best footage I've had the pleasure of seeing on the screen. During the Q&A after this film, I am sure much of the discussion will be about how the filmmakers captured what eludes us and how we can do it when we are out in nature. Oh, the birds you will see. Oh, the deer you will meet. Oh, the fun you will have watching the play, and the sadness you will feel when the brutal winter takes its toll on an uncomplaining population of animals at its mercy.

At the same time, you will be experiencing falling snow the way we thought it could be, but I certainly have never felt. You will feel rain as if you were out in it for the entire day… naked. You will see movement the way you wish your body could perform. Oh the journey you will have watching this amazing film.

Bring the children. Bring your private self. Do not let "a Peace of Forest" go unseen. And then get busy making sure everything it brings to us is not lost for future generations."

Christine Merser, a writer and recent Maine replant, has been a film reviewer for Her Screen Thoughts for the last ten years. Rated four stars and recently obtained by Spotify as one of their podcast series, Screen Thoughts houses her podcasts with other reviewers from the industry, as well written reviews . “I think that we humans are cemented in our point of view around explosive issues. Stories can change hearts and minds, especially when they are viewed in the darkened theater, without pushing their way into your point of view in a debate over dinner. I love going to the movies.”

Tickets: $20 adult, $15 LT member, and $5 youth 18 and under, are available online through LincolnTheater.net or at the door beginning 30 minutes before showtime. Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta. More information is available by reaching the theater office at info@LincolnTheater.net or 207-563-3424.