We’re bringing up the lights on cool community action. 

Starting May 1, the fourth annual Easthampton Film Festival will kick off, with 4 days of panels, workshops, concerts and more than 30 films in a wide range of genres. We hear from organizer Chris Ferry about putting this event together, and creating community among the filmmakers in the area

We also get to talk with folx involved in a western Mass.-focused feature film that is premiering at the festival, “Tallywacker” directed by Brendan Boogie. To hear about the filmmaking process and the vital role of music, we speak with the film’s inspiration and lead, Jeremy Macomber-Dubs, co-star Chris Goodwin and assistant producer and actor Rebecca Macomber. 

And, we discover a new farm that is hoping to bring fresh produce and food equity to its neighborhood. Nordica Community Farm sits on a nicely hidden 11-acre plot in Springfield that nearly was razed and developed, but through community action and community partners, this small CSA allows you to pick your own herbs among a burgeoning orchard. We speak with owners Anne Richmond and Todd Crosset with CSA Member Ariana Williams about the triumphs and trials of city growing.