Around Town 5/8/25: Local News, Culture and Events

The 2025 Maine Jewish Film Festival draws to a close with a special screening of The Other at the Bangor Public Library tonight. Doors open with light refreshments at 5:30. Film begins at 6:00. The film is free to the public and donations to cover the costs are most welcome. Reservations are not required, so organizers ask that you please arrive on time to ensure best seating.

“One of our most well-attended festival films, The Other takes us into the complex relationship of shared humanity, culture and connection between Israelis & Palestinians—and the transformative journey that follows when they are faced with meeting “the other.” As such it provides an extraordinary example of what we are all capable of as humans when empathy and understanding are the orders of the day

Filmed from 2017-2024, including post October 7th and during the subsequent war, The Other focuses on Israeli and Palestinian peace-builders, anti-occupation activists, artists, academics, ex-fighters, bereaved parents, and many more living the reality on the ground.

The screening is sponsored by the Maine Jewish Film Festival and Keshev, a group of Maine Jews committed to working for a lasting peace in Israel and Palestine, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live with full democratic and civil rights in peace, freedom, dignity, and safety.”

Ticket sales open today for Eccentric Films of Nancy Andrews, a four-night film series showcasing the unique artistic vision and experimental storytelling techniques of College of the Atlantic T.A. Cox Chair in Studio Arts Nancy Andrews. “Eccentric Films of Nancy Andrews spans a diverse selection of works dating from 1995-2025, including early works and genre-defying films that have earned Andrews recognition at film festivals and film series worldwide. Each night features a live Q&A session with Andrews, where she will discuss her creative process and the themes explored in her films.
Andrews is a visionary filmmaker whose works have garnered critical acclaim for their experimental narratives, imaginative visual storytelling, and fearless exploration of unconventional themes. Andrews’ work explores the boundaries between reality and imagination, the personal and the universal, and the inner psychological landscapes and external forces that shape human experience. Through her unique blend of film, animation, puppetry, music, and visual art, she crafts hybrid worlds that are both whimsical and profound.”
Schedule, film descriptions and (as of today) tickets at Reel Pizza

the public is invited to mark the start of grazing season at College of the Atlantic Peggy Rockefeller Farm as the sheep flock is let out of the barn for their first taste of spring grass Saturday, May 10, beginning at 10 a.m.
The lambs and ewes will be set free of the barn at 10:30 a.m. After watching them frolic, guests can explore the farm, roll out a picnic blanket, and stay for some lawn games and a fiber spinning demo. Farm products will be available for sale, and COA student farm staff will be on hand to share about their food and farming projects, talk about the animals, and answer questions.
All are welcome to this free, family-friendly event, which takes place at the farm’s Cameron Barn, located at 532 Crooked Road. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

A bit further down the coast Saturday, the Friends of Sears Island invite you to Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day! “Birds love Sears Island, a national eBird hotspot. Meet Maine Master Naturalist Cloe Chunn and Todd Miller at the Sears Island gate and see the birds that flock to the island. Be ready for warblers in the trees and waders along the shore – and maybe an osprey or two. This walk is ADA-accessible, parking is easy and there are rustic facilities.” Saturday, May 10 – 7:00 am – 9:00 am FMI: Friends of Sears Island