Lincoln Theater is pleased to present the award-winning documentary “Far Out: Life On & After the Commune,” Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m.  Through interviews, archival footage, and personal reflections, “Far Out” paints a vivid portrait of an era defined by experimentation and idealism—and the realities of sustaining those values over decades. Step into the world of 1960s counterculture in this intimate 85-minute documentary, and join special guests, including the film’s Director Charles Light, for a special post-screening discussion. 

The story begins in the summer of 1968, when a group of radical journalists from Liberation News Service left New York City to found communes at Packer Corners in Guilford, VT and in Montague, MA.  After leaving the city and turning away from national politics, the group of mostly young city slickers became pioneers in the back-to-the-land and organic farming movement. With the help of their neighbors, they spent the first five years learning rudimentary agricultural skills as well as how to live and work with each other as a communal family. 

“Far Out” traces the lives of these writers, activists and artists, delving into the 50-year journey of these idealistic pioneers as they dealt with the pressing issues of the day including gay rights, women’s rights, sexual freedom, nuclear power, raising children, and the role of the family, all while dealing with the realities of life, relationships and money in an anarchic communal setting. The documentary conveys not only how these “hippies” transformed Vermont and Western Massachusetts, but also how rural life and the people they met changed them.

“Far Out” had over a month long run at the Latchis Theater in Brattleboro, VT. The premiere set a 25-year record for single night ticket sales coming in second to "Barbie." It played to a sold-out house at the Newburyport Film Festival where it was awarded Best New England Feature and theatrical showings have taken the film throughout New England and beyond. Blending contemporary interviews and a remarkable trove of original archival footage, the point of view is honest rather than nostalgic. The film is vital, telling the history but hewing to the universal themes of how we grapple--over a lifetime--with politics, relationships, morality, spirituality, civic engagement and finding our home.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a rarely seen chapter of American history and engage with special guests Charles Light, filmmaker; Verandah Porche, poet and member of the Packer Corners Farm; and Patty Carpenter, who composed and performs most of the original music. Tickets: $15 adult, $13 Lincoln Theater members and $5 youth (18 and under) are available in advance through the theater’s online box office at LincolnTheater.org.

Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in the heart of downtown Damariscotta. More information is available online or by contacting the theater office at info@LincolnTheater.org or 563-3424.