Midsummer in Newtown

Midsummer in Newtown is a heartwarming and emotionally-charged documentary film that explores the healing power of art, creativity, and community in the aftermath of a tragedy. The film chronicles the journey of a group of students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, as they prepare for a production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, just a few years after the devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of 20 children and 6 adults at their school.

Directed by Lloyd Kramer, Midsummer in Newtown offers an intimate and poignant portrait of the Newtown community as they cope with the aftermath of one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. Through the lens of the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the film showcases the transformative power of the arts in healing wounds and bringing people together.

The film shows how the school's drama teacher, Ms. Rosen, along with a team of professional actors, producers, and musicians, worked tirelessly to create a safe and creative space for the students to express themselves through Shakespeare's timeless play. The film captures the students' rehearsals, auditions, and performances, highlighting the raw emotions, fears, and hopes of these young actors who have survived an unimaginable tragedy.

Midsummer in Newtown also features interviews with the parents of the Sandy Hook victims, as well as local Newtown residents, who share their personal struggles and challenges in the aftermath of the shooting. The film explores how the community has come together to support each other, and how they have turned to the arts as a way of coping with their grief and pain.

Midsummer in Newtown is a powerful and emotional film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. Through its intimate look at the creative process of putting on a play, the film shows how art can provide a much-needed outlet for healing and connection in times of profound loss and trauma. It is a tribute to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words, and the transformative power of the arts to bring hope and healing to a shattered community.

Overall, Midsummer in Newtown is a moving and inspiring film that offers a unique and powerful perspective on the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting. It is a reminder of the importance of building strong and supportive communities, and of the resilience of the human spirit in even the darkest of times.