In the Blood

For the context of this video, read Bob Keyes's feature on Maine musician/filmmaker Sumner McKane's "In the Blood."

- John C.L. Morgan

And the Winners Are...

The Portland Phoenix has announced the winners and runner-ups of their third annual short-film festival:

Best Drama
Winner: "Walk On By," Lisa Wolfinger
Runner-Up: "This, We Have Now," Jeff Griecci

Best Music Video
Winner: "Antique Shop," Will Ethridge
Runner-Up: "Outside the City Walls," David Camlin

Best Comedy
Winner: "Myth Perceptions: The Sheriff's Tale," Matt Power
Runner-Up: "Double Oh," Jeff Griecci

Best Documentary
Winner: "Let's Make a Deal," Mike Russell
Runner-Up: "The Fair," Roger McCord

Best Reality Video
Winner: "Flyin' John," Roger McCord

Best Production
Winner: "The Perimeter," Sarah Matzke
Runner-Up: "Artifact, Episode 3," William Fraser Jr.

PROJECT AYNA-V, produced by Westbrook's own Unicorn Cove, obviously wasn't nominated for any of these awards.

- John C.L. Morgan

Puzzled

Last week, I ruminated on the deep artistic qualities of the Downeaster's YouTube channel. Well, today I am proud to present your second dose of serious Maine film.

I've watched "Motel Mission" three times, but I still don't have a clue as to what the damn thing is about. All I know is that it was filmed in a Westbrook motel and that it features a young man who takes his crossword puzzles very, very seriously. Did I mention he was serious about his puzzles?

Anyway, things become extra meta when the late Marine Animal Lifeline of Westbrook is mentioned in the background newscast at about 4:00.

Enjoy, but don't let it screw with your head. We in New England are suffering enough mental fatigue today, the blackest of Mondays.

- John C.L. Morgan

P.S. I'll buy a cheap drink for anyone able to i.d. the Westbrook motel featured in "Motel Mission."