The 2013 Motif 1 Short Film Festival Results!

Wow! What a great first year for the first Motif 1 Short Film Fest! We had some great submissions, ranging on topics from the launch of an Essex-built schooner to the legend of the Gloucester Sea Serpent. The following eight short films were chosen for the first Motif 1 Short Film Fest:

Launch Day of the Schooner Ardelle
by Len Burgess
What do You Love About Cape Ann?
by Mike Kelly
BomBom Butterflies
by Kim Smith
Gloucester Sea Serpent
by Doctor Colonel Gonzo
No More Gloomy Sundays
by Robert Newton
New England Blood
by Dylan/Ladds
Homemade Parade
by Emile Doucette
Thacher Island Nature Reserve Sunrise
by Ron Rismen

Two screenings were held at the annual Motif No.1 Festival in Rockport, one on Friday, May 17th and another on Saturday, May 18th, with Twin Lights soda courtesy of Rockport's own Thomas Wilson Beverage Co. at both screenings. Viewers were asked to vote for their favorite film (if they felt so inclined -- voting was entirely optional). Across the ballots all the films received great feedback, with one voter checking off every single option with the comment that each one was a favorite. But in the end, two films emerged as the front runners with both receiving the same number of votes.

Rockport Festivals is pleased to announce that two films received the inaugural Motif 1 Short Film Fest People's Choice award(s):

Homemade Parade by Emile Doucette & BomBom Butterflies by Kim Smith

Again, thank you so much to those of you who submitted your films and attending the screenings. The overwhelming sense at both screenings was that each film captured a sense of place and we already can't wait to see the creative takes on life on Cape Ann that will emerge from next year's short film fest submissions.

If you haven't had yet had the chance, please take a look at all the films and follow the work of the filmmakers, some of whom are just starting their work (like the great stuff coming from Rockport's own Mike Kelly) and others of whom are releasing films this year (like Kim Smith, whose film premiers on June 21st at the Cape Ann Community Cinema in Gloucester).

Enjoy watching this year's winning films, featured below, and make plans to be a part of the 2014 Motif 1 Short Film Fest!

2013 Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Winners!

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in this year's Motif No. 1 Day Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest! It was wonderful to see all the fun, creative designs adding so much color to the sidewalks of Rockport.

Kristen Wilson's winning entry

The following are this year's winners in each category:

Youth

Lilli Christopher & Julia 

 

Teen 

Koll Merriman

 

Family 

Murdock family    

Family Runner Up 

Corrado Family

 

Adult 

Kristen Wilson

Adult Runner Up 

Ed Hansen

Download the Motif No. 1 Day Schedule of Events!

Here it is, in case you want to download it, print it, carry it around in your pocket, take it out, look at it, memorize it, give it away... then start the cycle all over again.

The Downloadable 2013 Motif No. 1 Day Schedule of Events
For an interactive Schedule of Events listed on our website that you can sort according to times and interests, click HERE.

Our Yankee Magazine listing as one of the top 20 events in Massachusetts in the current issue. Are we excited about this? Yes!

Motif No. 1 Shopping Scavenger Hunt!

WOW! Over 60 shops have come together for a shopping promotion on Motif No. 1 Day festival weekend. There truly is something for everyone at this event...read on for details! And stay informed about all the events of the Motif No. 1 Day festival, including the Shopping Scavenger Hunt, through our website www.rockportartfestivals.com.

 

Who doesn't love a good Scavenger Hunt?  You'll love searching for, and especially finding the hidden treasures during the 2-day, town-wide event, Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, as part of Motif No. 1 Day festivities.

Shopping is one of Rockport's most alluring attractions, with all its unique galleries, shops and boutiques! On these two days, look for the special red MOTIF SCAVENGER HUNT sign in participating shop windows, proceed inside to search and find your treasure...the MOTIF SCAVENGER HUNT tag hanging on select items offering exceptional savings and values!

Downtown Rockport's Motif  No. 1 Day, on Saturday, May 18th, emphasizes the local arts, food, music and of course, shopping. Come celebrate the upcoming summer season with us along with thousands of Rockport residents and visitors to enjoy downtown Rockport, the quintessential New England coastal village.

Yankee Magazine likes us. They really like us!

Check the excerpt from Yankee Magazine out! For more listings, head over to the magazine's website HERE (and don't miss the fact that Rockport's Shalin Liu Performance Center was chosen as the best concert venue North of Boston!).

The “Top 20 Events” in Massachusetts, according to Yankee Magazine, include:
MAY 4: LEXINGTON, Fife & Drum Muster. Experience the sights and sounds of New England history at Minute Man National Historical Park. Enjoy the patriotic music offered by 30 uniformed fife-and-drum corps as they parade through the park. Plus, take in an outdoor concert, and visit with craftsmen, fine-food vendors, and reenactors. williamdiamondjrs.org
MAY 8–JUNE 14: BOSTON, Boston Pops. Catch a performance in the elegant environs of Symphony Hall as the season kicks off with opening-night vocalist Vince Gill, followed by performances that give a nod to Disney’s Fantasia, pay tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, and ultimately conclude with a “Country Salute to Our Troops.” 888-266-1200; bso.org
MAY 14–19, JULY 9–14, SEPTEMBER 3–8: BRIMFIELD, Brimfield Antique Show. Running more than half a mile along Route 20, with wares on display in more than 20 fields, it’s the largest outdoor antiques fest around, attracting more than 6,000 dealers selling just about everything, including furnishings, accessories, precious jewelry, and so much more. brimfieldshow.com
MAY 18: ROCKPORT, Motif #1 Day. Downtown Rockport comes alive with music, dance, art, and poetry. Enjoy interactive activities, including the “Sidewalk Chalk Art” contest, a scavenger hunt, a chowder stand in Dock Square, live music, historical presentations, poetry readings, and more. rockportartfestivals.blogspot.com
MAY 25–27: NORTHAMPTON, Paradise City Arts Festival. In addition to showcasing the works of some 260 prominent artists and crafters at Three County Fairgrounds, you’ll also discover sensational cuisine prepared by Northampton’s best chefs and live performances by nationally and regionally acclaimed musicians. paradisecityarts.com
MAY 30–JUNE 2: GREAT BARRINGTON & PITTSFIELD, Berkshire International Film Festival. Featuring more than 70 flicks at Triplex Cinema, Beacon Cinema, historic Mahaiwe Theatre, and other area venues, the festival provides entertainment, education, and inspiration for filmmakers and movie lovers alike. biffma.org
JUNE 4–6: BOSTON, Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl.  A sweet fundraiser: Enjoy more than 35 flavors of popular ice creams and other frozen treats at this all-you-can-eat festival at City Hall Plaza. Proceeds support care and research at Dana–Farber Cancer Institute. 800-525-4669; scooperbowl.org

Motif No. 1 Day 2013!