JAMAICA — A free movie series beings July 1 at Jamaica Town Hall. Co-sponsored by Jamaica Memorial Library and Jamaica Historical Foundation, eight films and a special presentation will take place Wednesdays at 7 p.m. through Aug. 26.
The library is bringing back the popular Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie and adding two Eric Schaeffer films partially filmed in Jamaica and featuring some local talent.
All six segments of The Vermont Movie will feature guest speakers. A special presentation by independent scholar Greg Joly on Aug. 26 will complete the series. Here's a list of what's playing when:
July 1 - The Vermont Movie - A Very New Idea with guest speaker Roger Sheehan, Abenaki tribal member. Explores the roots from which the state grew, Native Americans, Ethan Allen, and the Civil War.
July 8 - Mind The Gap by Eric Schaeffer (PG). A 2004 multi-story comedy/drama partially filmed in Jamaica, featuring some locals.
July 15 - Boy Meets Girl by Eric Schaeffer (15 and up). A funny, tender positive romantic comedy tells the story of a transgender male, featuring locals.
July 22 - The Vermont Movie - Doers & Shapers with guest speaker Robin Lunn, former pastor of Jamaica Community Church. Explores the people and institutions that push boundaries, schools, Act 250, and civil unions.
July 29 - The Vermont Movie - Refuge, Reinvention, Revolution with guest speaker Greg Joly. Politics, innovation, inventions, highways and hippies.
Aug. 5 - The Vermont Movie - Under the Surface with guest speaker Greg Joly. Digs beneath the bucolic surface, labor wars, eugenics, back-to-the-landers movement.
Aug, 12 - The Vermont Movie - Ceres' Children with guest speaker Ralph Coleman, former dairy farmer and current maple syrup producer. Looks at Vermont's cherished traditions. Come experience a “sugar on snow” party.
Aug. 19 - The Vermont Movie - People's Power with guest speaker Greg Joly. Energy, the environment, town meeting, Hurricane Irene, and the power of the people and community.
Aug. 26 - Jamaica's Many Floods with guest speaker Greg Joly. Photos, stories. and research proves that the 100-year flood rule does not apply to Jamaica.
The public is invited, refreshments are available, and donations are welcomed. For additional information, contact Jamaica Memorial Library at 802-874-4901.