News you want to read! Whelan’s “Behind the Mask” Wins Best in Show, Airs on PBS

SOUTH BERWICKMarshwood High School (MHS) class of 2022 graduate

Tucker Whelan was one of six student filmmakers recently honored in this year’s Voices of Hope student video festival. Whelan’s seven-minute short film, “Behind the Mask,” co-written by fellow student Brandon Lawson, won the festival’s Best in Show award.

Set in and outside a home during a party, the film features numerous MHS student actors wearing actual masks that represent the various emotions young people might be feeling or fronting during the difficult years of the pandemic.

Whelan writes, “I began this project as an assignment for my Advanced Video production class. . . . The purpose behind this film festival was to display how teenagers have dealt with the pandemic, mental health, addiction, or any personal problems they may face. . . . I decided to interpret the phrase ‘behind the mask’ (relating to what is happening behind a COVID mask) and decided to take this quite literally through the use of masquerade masks with specific emotions. . . . the true message I wanted to convey was the importance of identity and being true to your- self, also the importance of reaching out to others.”

Of working with his classmates, Whelan goes on to say, “I was fortunate enough to have an amazing group of friends being able to help out as a part of the cast and also being able to help me with technical aspects as well. We had lots of fun with filming and problem solving, and I was in awe of the story I was able to create.”

Voices of Hope is an organ- ization founded in 2018 by Portland natives Dave and Karen Packhem. Its primary aims are to understand the disease model of addiction, especially among young people, and to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder. In the past two years, the organization has produced a program consisting of numerous video episodes featuring people in recovery telling their stories. According to the organization’s website, “Recognizing the impor- tance of gaining the perspective of young people, [we] reached out to local high school administrators to solicit the involvement of students. The non-profit SEED (Students Empowered to End Dependency) was created in 2020. . .

. Students have helped with interviewing, filming, editing, website creation, transcription, and social media updates.” Of the festival, the organization’s website states,

Powwow Returns to Wells Harbor

WELLS -

The Wells Chamber of Commerce and the New Hampshire Inter-Tribal Native American Council proudly announce the 18th Annual Wells Beach Powwow to be held on Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17, at Wells Harbor Park, 331 Harbor Road, Wells, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

The event will include American Indian singers, dancers, drummers, and flutists representing various tribes, styles, and categories. In addition, there will be American Indian vendors, as well as demonstrations and other activities. The host drummers will be Walking Bear Singers, led by drum keeper and head singer Albert “Standing Bear” Caron, who will also serve as the event’s master of ceremonies. According to the event page, “The powwow experience can be overwhelming. Each element, from the spectacular entrance led by veterans in full regalia to the heartbeat of the drums, is imbued with meaning. First-timers should not let this discourage them. [The MC] leads the event, setting the tone and explaining what is happening as the powwow develops.”

The Grand Entry is at 12 p.m. on Saturday. The public is cordially invited to all events.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 12 and under; children under 6 are free. No drugs or alcohol are allowed. For more information, visit www.wanderingbull.com/ event/wells-beach-powwow, or contact Sandy Chase at 603-6518769. Photo from Ann Charlton.