VINEYARD SHORTS
SUNDAY, MARCH 24 | 4:15 PM | THE GRANGE HALL
30 min.
Followed by a discussion with directors J. Michael Hayes and Zack O’Connor, and film subject Alex Palmer
This program features the work of Island residents J. Michael Hayes, Zack O’Connor, and Simon Werdmüller von Elgg, whose three thought-provoking short films showcase the diverse voices and creativity of Martha’s Vineyard’s filmmaking community.
GOLF BALL GUY
Dir. Simon Werdmüller von Elgg | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2024 | 9 min.
After dealing with some medical issues, 75-year-old Island resident Alex Palmer returns to his passion—hunting for golf balls. With a lifetime of experience and a decades-long career as a golf ball hunter, he shares wisdom about life, connecting with your inner child, and, of course, golf balls.
SUBMERGE
Dir. J. Michael Hayes | Fantasy | U.S.A. | 2024 | 6 min.
On a remote island inhabited by mystical people, Naima, a gifted young woman, prepares for a mysterious transition that occurs only every few generations, and grapples with doubts about meeting her mother’s expectations. Finding solace in her lover, Chimera, and seeking guidance from The Ageless One, an oracle, Naima finds the strength to embark on a journey symbolizing a universal truth about growth and transformation. This film was shot on Martha’s Vineyard, and inspired by the traditional Wampanoag tale of Moshup.
WHITE NOSE
Dir. Zack O’Connor | Documentary | U.S.A. | 2024 | 11 min.
Luanne Johnson is the director and founder of Island conservation organization BiodiversityWorks. She and her coworkers are leading the charge in researching what she has called “one of the most significant wildlife disasters of the century”: white-nose syndrome. The cause of death for over 90% of bats in North America, it has ravaged the species, but that hasn’t stopped Luanne and her team. They continue to research and study, the better to learn about the mechanisms of the disease and discover how Island bat populations have been able to recover.
Tickets for these screenings are general admission, and pay-what-you-can. The average ticket is $15. If you can pay more, we greatly appreciate it!