I did not want to let the Academy Award nomination moment go by without acknowledging the vigorous film culture emerging in Lowell and environs. For 2013, the two remarkable motion-picture projects that I want to single out are (1) the documentary Lost Child: Sayon’s Journey, directed by Janet Gardner and produced by Sopheap Theam, a story of a refugee from Cambodia, Sayon Soeun of Lowell, who reclaimed his roots; and (2) Memories for Sale, a short feature directed by Christian de Rezendes and starring Jerry Bisantz of Image Theatre and other notable players in a story about the lure and perils of fame-seeking and what should be wagered for success.

Both of these films have been screened widely but not in commercial theatres and have been included in festivals where they have earned accolades. Follow the links to websites above for more information about both outstanding movies.

Last, I want to give a shout out to video producer Gary Bergeron and songwriter Michael Noonan for their collaboration on the prize-winning music video Born and Raised in Lowell, which won the top award in the Lowell Heritage Partnership’s community video contest, “Roots, Realities, and More.”