• 4 - Commercial Short Films

    1 Oktober 2023, Amerika Serikat ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    This session highlights commercials. Of course, I always like to add variety. Scroll down to read info on all the films for the session and click on the link to view. Some notes are after the link and are best read after viewing that short film.

    When it comes to defining a short film, commercials serve as an intriguing example of thinking outside the box. They face the unique challenge of conveying a compelling message in just 30 seconds. It's not uncommon for me to be captivated by entertaining commercials, yet struggle to recall the product or service they're promoting. Comedy often takes the spotlight in commercials. I have four commercials in my collection, primarily sourced from Europe. We all have fond memories of proudly showcasing our new homes or apartments when we first moved in.

    https://youtu.be/S1ZZreXEqSY?si=eFWgQUj5Rt0DnLni

    Now, I'll be playing the next three commercials in succession.

    https://youtu.be/h4ZONLanbgk?si=ByJPbYEGhJCrJrIV

    https://youtu.be/2t4zJH29n40?si=SAqC7BB3SpC4OJFi

    https://youtu.be/xZ9nvYCDUUw?si=21z8hk5KbZ2g0cGs

    Next up, we've got an IKEA commercial. This particular ad highlights the remarkable skill of advertisers in tugging at our heartstrings.

    https://youtu.be/ecTUnfHyj8k?si=nW6Avlrb16NC0TMv

    I find that commercial absolutely brilliant. Notice how the advertisers skillfully manipulate your emotions, even through an utterly absurd storyline.

    Coca Cola Europe
    Coca-Cola boasts a rich tradition of delivering captivating advertisements. I can vividly recall a moment from the early 1970s when they released a commercial featuring a group of singers on a hillside, harmonizing "I Want to Teach the World to Sing." Does that ring a bell?

    Numerous marketers strive to associate positive imagery with their products. This practice is often prominent during the holiday season. Year after year, Budweiser airs a heartwarming commercial, featuring the Clydesdale horses gracefully prancing through the snow.

    This European Coca-Cola commercial follows a similar approach, utilizing the holiday season's spirit to bolster the perception of their product. Clocking in at a full two minutes, it resembles more of a short film than a conventional advertisement.

    https://youtu.be/EvtVxcEsojc?si=vr1YdXskGIJZ5_xF

    Coke Commercial - Mean Joe Greene
    A Coca-Cola advertisement from 1979 remains among the top five most beloved commercials of all time. This particular commercial has ties to Pennsylvania and the Steelers. Does that one ring a bell for you?

    https://youtu.be/xffOCZYX6F8?si=kvADN2K3-2LqR9Dy

    Apparently, Mean Joe Green used a few takes to get his lines just perfect. They figured he drank two and a quarter gallons of coke before the final take. 

    Benford's Law - 5 Minute's - British
    This video isn't laden with flashy effects or extravagance. Its selection was based on its subject matter, content, and clarity. The topic revolves around numbers and mathematics – there's no need to fret.  My introduction to Benford's Law dates back almost 15 years when I first encountered it on a podcast. I was truly astounded and came to realize that the world was more intriguing than it appeared. While Benford's Law may seem perfectly rational to math enthusiasts, for those of us who aren't math aficionados, like myself, its principles can be quite eye-opening. I embarked on a quest to find a video that would present Benford's Law in an engaging and accessible manner, and this video is the result.

    https://youtu.be/vIsDjbhbADY?si=9gJIK4IYcCUZA2-A

    The Greatest Olympic Record - 3 Minutes
    AmericanAs I've mentioned previously, I'm a passionate sports enthusiast, and I've had the privilege of witnessing some remarkable sporting achievements over the years. One question that has always intrigued me is: What constitutes the greatest sports accomplishment within my lifetime? This concise documentary delves into that very achievement. While dedicated sports aficionados might be well-acquainted with this event, more casual fans may not be. Allow me to drop a few hints. It unfolded during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, specifically in the realm of Track and Field. The entire feat transpired in a mere six seconds.  After presenting this brief documentary, I'll provide some additional context.

    https://youtu.be/DEt_Xgg8dzc?si=FwXwFSOQssETXkGR

    Jesse Owens, a true legend among American athletes, established the long jump record in 1935 at an astonishing 26 feet and 8 inches. That record endured for over a quarter of a century until it was finally surpassed by Ralph Boston during the 1960s. Interestingly, Ralph Boston, who happened to be Bob Beamon's teammate, was the clear favorite to secure the gold medal in the long jump at the 1968 Olympics. By the time the 1968 Olympics rolled around, the world record had inched forward to 27 feet and 4 inches. In roughly 33 years, the record had inched up by just under 9 inches. In 1968, if Bob Beamon had merely surpassed the world record by 3 inches, they would have marveled at how he "shattered" the world record. However, Bob Beamon didn't just surpass the 28-foot mark; he astonishingly soared past 29 feet and 2.5 inches. He obliterated the world record by a staggering 22 inches. It was nothing short of breathtaking. Eventually, Mike Powell managed to break his record by a mere inch or two in 1991, and that record has held strong for 33 years to this day. During 1968, there were no significant financial rewards in track and field, so Bob Beamon didn't profit financially from his extraordinary achievement. Instead, Bob Beamon returned to education and completed his college degree, dedicating much of his career to working with children at a recreation center in Florida. A truly remarkable and inspirational story in the world of sports.

    The Eleven O'Clock - 12 Minutes Australia
    Notably, this film received an Oscar nomination in 2017 within the short film category, marking it as a clever and lighthearted comedy.

    https://youtu.be/d3LJN1AZ2zg?si=qXMM4-Cjw-DWFOmN

    The Magic of Chess - 5 Minutes American
    Running a combined duration of 6 hours, the Quest programs prompted me to seek out a few additional films over the summer. Among the discoveries I made during this season, one film particularly stood out, meeting my exacting standards. This film is refreshingly straightforward, featuring interviews with elementary school children discussing the intricacies of a rather complex game - chess. While some of the children's dialogues might pose a challenge for listening, if you happen to have grandchildren, it could give you an edge. Ultimately, it's a charming little film.

    https://youtu.be/z-f0V7ew2Ks?si=wV6uKCof8mqQ4MJ-

    You can see how these children play chess, but turn that experience into life lessons.

    Sign Language - 5 Minutes - British
    My wife would certainly be dismayed if I omitted a romantic-comedy from our program. In 2010, this film claimed the grand prize at multiple film festivals. It falls under the category of a "mockumentary" or "docucomedy," a style of film making that portrays fictional events in a documentary format. For those of you who appreciate British shows, your familiarity with British accents might come in handy. The film revolves around a man's final day on the job before embarking on a new career.Be sure not to miss the film's conclusion, as the plot continues even as the credits roll. If I may offer a recommendation, one of the finest "mockumentary" feature films I've ever seen is "Best in Show." It delves into the world of dog shows and the eccentric characters that populate it.

    https://youtu.be/9TN3VtWwks4?si=8EKKVgc95xEV9MR1
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  • 3 - Outdoor and Adventure Short Films

    30 September 2023, Amerika Serikat ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    This session highlights outdoor and adventure short films. Of course, I always like to add variety. Scroll down to read info on all the films for the session and click on the link to view. Some notes are after the link and are best read after viewing that short film.

    Mike's New Car - 4 minutes long – American
    Let's begin with an animated feature. The Disney Pixar cartoons consistently impress me with their exceptional quality. This particular animated short is a spin-off from the beloved full-length Pixar film, "Monsters, Inc." In that movie, many of the monsters turned out to be endearing, a trait you'll find in the two main characters of this cartoon, Mike and Sully. Voicing these characters are none other than the talented Billy Crystal and John Goodman. If you're ever in the mood for a remarkable film that transcends the typical children's movie, I highly recommend checking out "Monsters, Inc."

    Once again, Pixar's commitment to excellence shines through in their animation, character development, and storytelling. They consistently deliver top-notch quality in all aspects of their work.

    https://youtu.be/zfC_GuHiP68?si=c5fJCwIdSQqE9uby

    The Ridge - 7 Minutes - Scotland
    Today's focus centers on outdoor and adventure short films, although I always like to sprinkle in some variety by showcasing different kinds of short films as well. Each year, the Banff Mountain Outdoor Film Festival acknowledges exceptional outdoor and adventure films, and the winning entries embark on a global tour. Our next feature is a 2014 award-winning film filmed on the breathtaking Isle of Skye in Scotland. This cinematic masterpiece incorporates stunning drone photography and a helmet camera to capture its awe-inspiring visuals. Throughout this series, you'll encounter several films that harness the power of drone photography, showcasing the unique perspectives and footage that only drones can deliver. The first time I watched this film, I found myself eagerly poring over the credits to uncover information about its mesmerizing soundtrack. Fortunately, I have a friend deeply immersed in traditional Scottish music, and she kindly shared her expertise to analyze the musical score. The film's music commences with a traditional Scottish melody sung in the Scottish Gaelic language. The composer, drawing from a classical music background, seamlessly integrates a classical orchestra and choir, resulting in a musical creation best described as "Scottish Fusion." As for the film's subject, I'll leave that as a delightful surprise. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be captivated. Music: "Blackbird" - Martyne Bennett

    https://youtu.be/xQ_IQS3VKjA?si=Lo51hinSgVC_889Y

    The Flow - 4 Minutes - Iceland
    Most short films have a strategy for making something special in the short amount of time available. This film uses spectacular photography and great scenery.   It was filmed in Iceland and we see the glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and spectacular waterfalls. Again we see the use of drone photography. This film has won multiple awards from film festivals all over the world. The plot is about a young man who discovers that often in life, the journey is more important than the destination.

    https://vimeo.com/292614608

    Bird's Eye View - 4 Minutes
    American Let's continue with our outdoor theme for a moment.As I've mentioned before, many films and TV shows these days incorporate drone photography. I've been flying drones for over a decade. When I bought my first drone in 2013, I was the only person in my circle who owned one. My primary motivation for flying drones is my fascination with seeing the world from perspectives that are rarely witnessed by anyone else. Remember, my background is in geography, so this hobby aligns perfectly with my interests. It's truly remarkable to experience the world as a bird does. A while back, a fellow resident in our community was giving a presentation about her experiences as a pilot. She requested that I put together a short video using some of my drone footage from over the years. We played this video on a loop while the audience was assembling for the presentation. My goal was to offer a bird's-eye view of the world. Additionally, I wanted to share unique angles of our retirement community that none of the residents had ever seen before.I can assure you that this film will not be winning any awards, but I thought you might find it enjoyable.

    https://youtu.be/t7T1XhAk9bw?si=36wi2eAwJTgn1UBh

    Intelligent Design - 5 Minutes American
    Last week, I introduced everyone to the enlightening series of short documentaries known as TED Talks. Once again, I'd like to acquaint you with this remarkable collection of videos. TED Talks are brief lectures captured in front of a live audience. These engaging talks had their inception in 1990, under the motto "Ideas Worth Spreading." Their videos are freely accessible, and the "Ideas Worth Spreading" ethos imparts valuable insights into our world. Many of these lectures delve into the outcomes of research, shedding light on various realms of science, technology, and culture. Speakers are allotted a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and captivating ways possible. Today, I'd like to showcase a relatively short TED Talk. The title, "Intelligent Design," may seem like a playful turn of phrase, but it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the talk.

    https://www.ted.com/talks/david_gallo_underwate…

    Bear Story – 10 Minutes – Chile
    Not only did this film secure over 50 international film awards, but it also clinched an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2014. It's crucial to emphasize that this is a very serious film, despite the fact that a vast majority of animated films are comedies. The animation is exceptional, and the storyline is exceptionally unique.It tells the tale of a bear who constructs a machine capable of visualizing his life story. This film exudes creativity like nothing I've ever seen before. During the process of obtaining permission to showcase the film, I engaged in extensive correspondence with the film's producer, unearthing some fascinating details. In the mid-1970s, the producer's grandfather suffered capture and imprisonment during the oppressive rule of Chilean dictator Pinochet. This period left indelible memories of how his family, along with his grandfather, grappled with the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their other family members. This theme served as the guiding force behind the film, which adeptly addresses the grave issues of state terrorism and animal cruelty.

    https://youtu.be/HG4He0HP1Tk?si=xCaJeokZ3iOw93Yt

    J-Mac – 6 minutes – American
    I'm an avid sports enthusiast, and one of my cherished sports quotes hails from President Harry Truman. It's been recounted that one of his aides observed a curious habit of the President's – when Truman perused the daily newspaper, he unfailingly turned to the sports pages before anything else. Intrigued, the assistant inquired about this habit. In response, President Truman offered a profound insight: " The sports pages are filled with man's achievements, while the front page is dominated by his failures."Now, turning our attention to our next film, it's unquestionably a testament to remarkable human achievements. This film, produced in 2006 by ESPN Films, was created with the noble purpose of raising awareness about autism.

    https://youtu.be/RmaIsE2nLZk?si=NjgO8fuPDBkl1dF_

    This film never fails to bring a hint of emotion to my eye. It originates from the year 2006, and my curiosity led me to follow up on Jason to discover what became of him. Each year, ESPN presents awards recognizing outstanding athletes and other notable sporting achievements. In 2006, Jason received the prestigious ESPN award for the best sports moment of the year. Remarkably, he outshone contenders such as Kobe Bryant's 81-point game and George Mason's remarkable run to the final four. Jason's journey also led him to encounters with luminaries like Oprah Winfrey and President Bush. For many years, he has been quietly and diligently working in the bakery department at Wegman's in his hometown near Rochester, New York.Notably, Jason passionately travels across the United States, dedicating his efforts to raising funds for autism research. Furthermore, since 2007, he has been actively contributing as an assistant basketball coach at his alma mater, Greece Athena High School, working alongside Coach Johnson, who commends his burgeoning knowledge of the game. This heartwarming story truly shines in every aspect.
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  • 2 - Foreign Short Films

    29 September 2023, Amerika Serikat ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    This session highlights foreign short films. Of course, I always like to add variety. Scroll down to read info on all the films for the session and click on the link to view. Some notes are after the link and are best read after viewing that short film.

    Safer in Groups - Belgium - 2 Minutes
    Public service announcements are another genre of short films. Here are a couple of outstanding PSAs.  Our first PSA is from Belgium and this video tries to get their message across through cuteness and appealing to our sense of community.

    https://youtu.be/VHGxgfHNjwA?si=Z4bntWypmkTTfJCU

    A Man and His Dog - Argentina - 2 minutes  
    Here we have a remarkable film selection—an award-winning public service announcement from Argentina, of all places. When crafting a public service announcement, the goal is to ensure the message stays etched in the viewer's memory. I first watched this video about a year ago, and I must admit, it has crossed my mind at least a hundred times since then. Each viewing leaves me with a resounding "WOW" by the end. This one's dedicated to all the animal enthusiasts out there.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlFiMoCbVMQ

    The Paperboy -  India - 13 minutes long
    This 2016 film has garnered numerous accolades at Indian Film Festivals and is a captivating piece of cinema on various fronts. It narrates the story of a young orphaned paperboy eking out a living in a bustling Indian city while being homeless. His survival hinges on his paperboy job, but he's also passionate about drawing, using available stones to etch his art onto walls. The boy's striking innocence and his remarkably natural acting shine throughout the film.In black and white and devoid of dialogue, this movie stands as a visual masterpiece. The cinematography exhibits an artistic and exquisite touch. The camerawork frequently employs a narrow depth of field, accentuating the focal point while gently blurring the background images. It's a film that invites multiple viewings, encouraging viewers to contemplate its deeper meaning. The vibrant shoes introduced into the boy's otherwise drab life symbolize color and joy, embodying a universal tale of hope cherished by every child. Additionally, this film underscores the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone's life.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neWPK3fRg5c

     Five Minute University - "Italian" - 5 Minutes
    In the early 1980s, there was a comedian who frequently graced the stage of Saturday Night Live, where he consistently portrayed the character of an Italian Catholic Priest named Father Guido Sarducci. Some of you might have fond memories of him, hence the use of quotes around "Italian."Beyond his SNL appearances, he was an active participant in the stand-up comedy circuit. What set him apart was his style; he wasn't your typical one-liner comedian. Instead, he crafted routines that spanned 4 to 5 minutes, offering insightful observations about our world. Some of these routines were nothing short of brilliant, showcasing his exceptional writing skills. Today, I'd like to share one of his routines from the early 1980s, entitled "The Five Minute University." Regrettably, the video quality may not be as pristine as we'd prefer, but I believe you'll still find it enjoyable.

    https://youtu.be/c00GPvns31U?si=r8y3IbiKjodvZrvb

    The Secret to Living Longer - Canada - 12 minutes
    I genuinely aim to incorporate something educational into our discussion. There is an abundance of short film documentaries available for exploration, but my primary objective is to acquaint you with a series of videos that are truly exceptional. You may or may not be acquainted with Ted Talks, which are brief lectures captured in front of live audiences. Ted Talks were initiated in 1990 with the motto "Ideas Worth Spreading," and their videos are readily accessible to the public. These "Ideas Worth Spreading" offer valuable insights into our world, often delving into the realms of science, technology, and culture, presenting findings from research and enlightening perspectives. The speakers are allotted a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and captivating ways possible. Given that we primarily have a senior audience, this video will be highly relevant. I'd like to share a segment of a TED talk delivered by a Canadian researcher who dedicated years to the study of centenarians, individuals who have lived beyond the age of 100, in an effort to uncover the secrets behind their remarkable longevity.

    https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_pinker_the_secr…

    Mr. Happy, Johnny Barnes - Bermuda – 11 minutes long  
    Hailing from Bermuda, this 2011 film introduces us to Johnny Barnes, a remarkable individual who truly stands out. At times in our lives, we encounter individuals whose inherent kindness seems to reach a saintly level. These exceptional people leave an indelible mark on us, and Johnny Barnes is unquestionably one of them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_EX5NzqNXc

    Move - Australia - 1 Minute
    There is an international film festival of one minute shorts films. Included below are two award winning one minute short films. This creative one minute film makes great use of photography.

    https://youtu.be/Qz7yyfet7jQ?si=RoptCEQ_COWaKsO7

    The Bomb Shelter – France - 1 Minute
    Even within the confines of a one-minute duration, some short films manage to weave in a compelling plot. This French film, complete with subtitles, emerged victorious in the one-minute film category in 2017. It narrates the story of a survivalist who constructs a bomb shelter, leaving his family questioning his sanity. However, their skepticism takes a turn when the need for the shelter becomes evident.

    https://youtu.be/6dxSsZ_Perw?si=oqQ-9AJga7Y9aKJZ
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  • 1 - Animation Short Films

    28 September 2023, Amerika Serikat

    This session highlights animated short films. Of course, I always like to add variety. Scroll down to read info on all the films for the session and click on the link to view. Some notes are after the link and are best read after viewing that short film.

    For the Birds – American - 3 minutes long
    This particular film is from Pixar, a subsidiary of Disney, renowned for its pioneering work in computer-generated animation. In 2001, it earned an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. It was originally released in theaters alongside "Monsters, Inc." When you watch this film, pay special attention to the remarkable attention to detail in every aspect, from the visuals to the storytelling—it truly sets a high standard. I screened this film at multiple presentations festivals, and after the first one, someone humorously suggested that for the second festival, I could simply repeat this film five times to guarantee success.

    https://youtu.be/Lz3KYrPQaN0?si=yGK4DYMITeeWA6yu

    Fresh Guacamole - American - 1:40 minutes
    This film holds the distinction of being the shortest film ever nominated for an Oscar. It boasts captivating computer-generated graphics and a truly imaginative storyline. Remarkably, it has amassed over 230,000,000 views on YouTube, potentially making it one of the most-watched short films in history.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNJdJIwCF_Y

    Panyee FC – Thailand - 6 minutes long
    Hailing from Thailand, this film is presented with English subtitles. It's a delightful blend of sports and culture, offering a unique glimpse into the true story of the Panyee Youth Football Club in South Thailand. The narrative revolves around a group of boys residing in an isolated fishing village in southern Thailand. Their passion for soccer is unwavering, despite lacking a suitable place to play. However, their innovative idea takes center stage and transforms their village in ways they could have never imagined.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU4oA3kkAWU

    Harvest in Ticino – British - 3 minutes
    In 1957, the BBC produced a short documentary that made its debut on April 1st of that year. It stands as one of the most renowned April Fools' hoaxes ever orchestrated. The documentary's effectiveness was amplified by the authoritative BBC announcer, who, with his refined British accent, lent it an air of immense credibility, ultimately deceiving a significant number of individuals.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVo_wkxH9dU

    Mercedes Benz – (American) – 2 minutes
    This morning's program is sponsored by Mercedes Benz. I hate to have to do this, but I have two Mercedes commercials I have to show.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBPo0t69bi4

    This is one of the most famous of Saturday Night Live commercial parodies.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1tbf8muMc


    Man Changing a Light Bulb – United States - 2 minutes
    In 2016, this film emerged as the champion at the New York Drone Film Festival, showcasing a prime illustration of how drones have the capacity to capture visuals that would be otherwise unattainable, offering a distinctive perspective of our surroundings. This remarkable short film was filmed in the stunning landscapes of South Dakota.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1BgzIZRfT8

    I Won’t Let You Down – American - 5 Minutes
    We're about to venture outside the conventional boundaries of what we typically define as short films. Music videos have been part of our cultural landscape for over 35 years, effectively functioning as short films. While they revolve around a song, they offer boundless creative opportunities. For me, one video stands out as the pinnacle of creativity, imagination, complexity, and quality. It was created for the song "I Won't Let You Down" by the band "OK GO," released in 2014. This disco-influenced tune soared to #7 on the US Billboard charts and earned an MTV award for its remarkable video.

    Let me share some intriguing details about this video. The four singers navigate Honda personal mobility units, controlled by the riders' subtle weight shifts. The army of dancers is clad in traditional Japanese school uniforms. The video features a staggering 2,328 dancers and an equal number of umbrellas, all captured entirely by a drone. What's truly astonishing is that, despite extensive rehearsals, the video was shot as a continuous, one-take masterpiece—no scene splicing or editing involved.
    Check out other “OK GO” videos on Youtube. They are so creative.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZB_rGFyeU

    Tanghi Argentini – Belgium – 13 minutes long
    One of my enduring short film favorites revolves around the art of Tango dancing. Crafted in 2006, this cinematic gem earned an Oscar nomination. Hailing from Belgium, this film boasts subtitles for non-native viewers. Allow me to offer a brief introduction: A man encounters a woman online, who is passionate about Tango, while he remains a novice in the dance. Their inaugural date, scheduled two weeks hence, unfolds at a Tango dance. An enchanting Yuletide narrative unfolds within this film. This serves as an exquisite illustration of how many short films deliver a captivating twist at the climax, so keep a keen eye out for that.

    This wonderful short film is available on Amazon Prime.

    https://www.amazon.com/Tanghi-Argentini-Dirk-va…
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  • Introduction

    27 September 2023, Amerika Serikat ⋅ 🌙 34 °F

    These short films were featured in a six-week program presented by Quest For Learning. They were screened every Thursday morning from September 28 to November 2, 2023. Quest holds their programs twice a year in downtown Lancaster, PA.

    https://www.questlancaster.org/

    When contemplating the platform to showcase descriptions and links for the short films, I ultimately settled on my favorite travel blog site, Find Penguins. While this platform is primarily tailored for crafting my vacation travel blogs, it proved to be a fitting choice for curating all the pertinent information about the Quest Festival of Short Films. I have a deep appreciation for the site's splendid layout and its user-friendly interface.

    I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable producers behind these short films for their unwavering dedication and boundless creativity. My aim has always been to curate positive and uplifting short films, and the individuals involved in bringing these cinematic gems to life can take immense pride in the joy and inspiration they have brought to the attendees of the Quest Festival of Short Films.

    Dale Johnson
    dale.johnson99@gmail.com
    Lancaster, PA
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  • Day 16 - Home Again in Haddenham

    25 September 2023, Inggris ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    The rest of our party was not quite up for a 4 mile walk this morning, so I left at sunrise to walk to the town of Haddenham where Christine lived for a year and a half, 15 years ago, when she was working on a company project for McCormick, the spice company. Haddenham is where I first learned about footpaths through the countryside. As I was heading east the sun rose and I was able to get some great photos. Having the footpath go straight through a field of sunflowers raised the walk to a whole different level.

    After arriving in Haddenham I revisited the old streets Christine and I walked on years ago. I caught the bus back to Thame and then drove everyone the 3 miles back to Haddenham so Christine could show everyone where she lived, including her house with a thatch roof that was built in 1564.

    After returning to Thame, I told everyone I was treating them to lunch at a beautiful pub that was a 2 minute walk from our apartment. That all led to the surprise of the day.

    Background: In 2018, when Christine and I were walking the Camino in Spain, we befriended a lovely young lady from Scotland, Mairi Therese. Eventually, Mairi Therese came to visit us in Lancaster. Many of our friends at Willow Valley met her and for a week we took her to all sorts of sites….Philadelphia, DC, etc,

    When Mairi Therese found out we were in Portugal and heading to England, she and I started working on potential opportunities to meet up. We worked on the plans for several weeks, but did not tell Christine , Suzanne or Jim. Jim and Suzanne had met Mairi Therese when she visited us in Lancaster.

    Today, we met up at a local pub and Christine had a few tears in her eyes when she finally realized the person she saw at the pub was Mairi Therese. The 6 of us had a great lunch learning about her new husband Marceli, of less than a month, and the near completion of their PhDs.

    It was a great end to our England adventure.
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  • Day 15 -Small Villages Again

    24 September 2023, Inggris ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    After a hectic and busy day in London, we were off to more “off the beaten path” touring. Our main visit was to a village called Bourton-on-the-Water, considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of England. Christine and I first visited this town 15 years ago when Christine had a year job assignment in England.

    After spending some time showing Jim and Suzanne around Bourton-on-the Water, the three of us took a hike through the countryside on the footpaths to another lovely town of Lower Slaughter. During the middle ages, folks used the footpaths to travel to other towns or their garden plots. Once private land came to be the norm, the rights to walk these footpaths remained. These footpaths have been walked upon for centuries and the variety you see along them is amazing. At one point today, the footpath went straight across a wheat field. We have nothing like this in America.

    When Christine and I first visited our current base, Thame, 15 years ago, we knew it was the home of Robin Gibb, one of the brother Gibb, from the Bee Gees. Jim is so knowledgeable about pop music history. We both knew Robin had passed away 10 years ago and we found out his home was 200 yards from where we were staying. We then realized his grave was in the church cemetery between us and his house. Last evening, a community building in our street was having a dance. I walked by and they were dancing to the Bee Gees song, “Stayin Alive”. It was so ironic.

    Tomorrow will be the last day of our trip and I have a surprise for everyone.
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  • Day 14 - First Train to London

    23 September 2023, Inggris ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    We decided to make use of England’s excellent public transportation system and took the train into London and traveled around on the underground. Our main purpose was to spend some quality time at the British Museum.

    Afterwards, we played “Tommy Tourist” and tried to hit as many of the big name sites Jim and Suzanne needed to see since they had never been to London. Our 2 hour walk hit Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

    We also ran into an anti-Brexit demonstration that contained tens of thousands of marchers. Apparently, the support for the Brexit decision continues to erode.
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  • Day 13 - Quaint Villages

    22 September 2023, Inggris ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Today was our last travel day as we ended up in our new base, Thame, near Oxford. The drive was not real long so we stopped in a couple of wonderful little villages……Great Missenden and Turville. Our destination of Thame is also a very English village in its history and architecture. Today’s photos are from these 3 villages and show beautiful buildings and several churches we visited.

    We also spent time on some incredibly narrow backroads where if you met another car, one of you must back up to a cutout so you can pass each other.
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  • Day 12 - Windmills, Watermills & Dogs

    21 September 2023, Inggris ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    Our morning outing was in the vicinity of the small village of Pakenham, which was nearby not only a windmill, but a water mill that began in 1089. After a quick photo stop by the windmill, we toured the working water mill that was actually in operation on our visit. It was fascinating and really one of the highlights of our trip so far. When constructing an itinerary, I like to include big name places, like Oxford, as well as great little sites that are off the beaten path. Of course, after the tour we stopped at the little outdoor cafe for tea. The cakes and scones were made by a group of women who were simply accepting donations for charity.

    Afterwards, we took in another walk. Instead of a walk through the countryside, it was in a park that has been around for over 200 years. Many of the trees were from all over the world and were huge due to their age. There were even a few enormous redwood trees.

    There are a couple of things we observe while on our walks. Walking in nature and the countryside is a big fabric of English life and we think it affects their tranquility and attachment to nature. Also, their dogs are a part of that walking as well as part of the rest of their lives. Dogs are everywhere, from footpaths to inside restaurants. Jim has noticed how well mannered the dogs are, like their English human owners.
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