Midsummer in Newtown

Midsummer in Newtown is an inspiring documentary film released in 2016. Directed by the talented Lloyd Kramer, the film explores the incredible strength, determination, and resilience of humanity, particularly focusing on the aftermath of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. You don't need to be a theatre enthusiast or a film aficionado to appreciate the strong emotions captured in this film. It is a true testament to the undying human spirit and its ability to heal and resurrect even in the face of insurmountable grief and loss.

The world was shocked when a gunman walked into the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and took the innocent lives of 20 children and six adult staff members in December 2012. The Newtown community was shattered and their grief broadcasted on international platforms, making it one of the most heartbreaking news stories of the decade.

Kramer boldly steers this film in a way that reflects upon the journey of resilience, hope, and healing against the backdrop of unimaginable and publicized grief. However, the film doesn’t solely dwell on the incident that happened; instead it focuses more on showcasing the prevailing spirit of the community in the aftermath, turning an overall grim occurrence into an uplifting tale of rebirth.

At the center of this rebirth is an attempt by the community to stage a unique adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", called “A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The production, led by Broadway professionals Michael Unger and Kim Scharnberg, was a local initiative to help the children and the wider community heal and find a voice through the medium of theater arts.

The film blossoms into a soulful journey as it captures the preparation of young Sandy Hook survivors for this ambitious project. The process reveals the magic of art and music, intricately woven into daily instances of triumph, tears and laughter. One can't ignore the poignant metaphor offered by the title of the play itself, reflecting the community's dark 'midsummer', which they strive to overcome with their spirited 'dream'.

In parallel, the movie unperturates the lived experiences of three different families in the community and how they interact with this musical. We meet Tain, the boisterous and charming young boy with a passion for the arts. Additionally, we are introduced to the grieving yet strong Bardos family, living in the memory of their daughter who was killed in the shooting, while finding solace in nurturing their surviving son’s passion for jazz drumming.

The story masterfully interweaves these narrative threads together to present a full-bodied narrative about an affected community's resilience, strength and hope. It beautifully demonstrates the cathartic release that comes with creativity and how these children use this form of expression to navigate their own feelings, fears and triumphs.

The film doesn’t shy away from the hard truths either – these brave children and their families are still grappling with the effects of the traumatic events. However, instead of drowning in the depths, they are swimming for the surface, reaching out and embracing life yet again. The ability to soldier on despite all odds is the inspiring takeaway from the documentary.

The camera beautifully captures these raw emotions along with the idyllic landscapes, striking a balance between the gravity of the situation and the light that is slowly but surely returning to Newtown. The narration is stunningly compassionate, allowing the audience to form a personal connection and empathize with the subjects.

Music is used as a powerful therapeutic tool throughout Midsummer in Newtown, lending a heart-warming element to the narrative. The performances are poignant, impactful and reflect true authenticity. The direction provided by Lloyd Kramer paints a vivid and moving picture of ordinary people rising above extraordinary circumstances.

Midsummer in Newtown is a beautiful film that showcases how an entire community affected by a tragedy made a decision to rise once again. It is a testament to the power of art in healing and illuminating a path toward resolution. It brings together the elements of pain, struggle, strength, hope, joy and an undeniable human spirit into a striking portrait of resilience that is unforgettable once seen.

It is a must-watch, not just for those who have experienced loss, but for everyone as it highlights the incredible strength of the human spirit and our inextinguishable hope to thrive. Through this film, the intimacy of personal stories of growth emerges into a larger narrative of resilience, thus emphasizing the world the importance of hope, unity and the transformative power of art.