DOVER — Have you ever wanted to see your work celebrated publicly?
Have you ever wanted to be treated seriously about a craft that you have invested in?
Have you ever wanted to feel appreciated and have a little fun?
Well, Philip Gilpin Jr. and the Independent Television and Film Festival made all of those things happen for our Windham County students at the opening of the ITVFest.
On Oct. 5, nine local students showcased their films in the world-class screening venue in Dover. More than 100 viewers attended, including the filmmakers, their teachers/mentors, parents, classmates, and current and hopeful lawmakers, including Becca Balint, Mike Hebert, John Moran, and John Gannon.
Oh, also in attendance and asking questions of the students in the after-viewing panel were production leaders from Game of Thrones, including the costume designer.
Well, all of this is pretty cool, and none of it would be possible without Gilpin's vision and the leadership of Josh Moyse, the Windham Regional Career Center digital filmmaking instructor.
When a world-class event that is an economic driver sees fit to open its festival with the work of our young people, we can all be proud.
Thanks to all.