Houlton Celebrates Premiere of Eclipse Documentary with Glamour

Houlton, Maine, hosted an extravagant red carpet premiere on September 8, 2023, for the documentary “A Moment in the Sun,” which highlights the community’s response to the total solar eclipse earlier this year. The event attracted a crowd well before its scheduled 17:30 start time, as residents donned glamorous attire, showcasing a mix of sequins, tuxedos, and vintage fabrics.

The documentary, directed by New York City-based filmmakers Mia Weinberger and Tom van Kalken, captures how Houlton, a rural community of approximately 6,000 residents, prepared for an influx of nearly 30,000 eclipse enthusiasts. The film chronicles the extensive planning that took place over three years, showcasing Houlton as the last U.S. stop along the path of totality, renowned for its potential clear skies.

During the evening, attendees enjoyed a cocktail hour filled with hors d’oeuvres served on silver platters, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Fred Grant, owner of the Temple Theatre, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, “We’re absolutely thrilled with how last night’s premiere at the Temple Theatre turned out. The event exceeded all of our expectations.”

As the night unfolded, Grant acknowledged the contributions of local sponsors and community members, particularly highlighting Cecilia Rhoda for her significant role with the Gateway Ambassadors during the eclipse. The premiere featured not just the documentary but also a short film titled “The Comeback Mill,” directed by Josh Gerritsen. Both films were screened simultaneously in the theatre’s two auditoriums, allowing attendees to engage in a shared experience.

After the screenings, a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers and featured characters allowed the audience to reflect on the film’s emotional depth. “Watching those two fantastic films as a community really highlighted all the great moments we experienced during the eclipse festivities,” Grant remarked, calling it “a night to remember for all of us.”

“A Moment in the Sun” had already made waves earlier in the summer at the Maine International Film Festival, where it won the Tourmaline Award for Best Feature Film. It also claimed the title of Best Feature Film at the Maine Outdoor Film Festival in Portland. The film’s narrative includes personal stories from locals, such as a local astronomer reminiscing about his first eclipse experience with his late husband and a couple who chose to marry during the moment of totality.

As the filmmakers look toward future projects, van Kalken hinted at a potential tour along the path of totality for next year. “We are thinking about taking the film to theatres, like the Temple, in towns all along the 2024 total solar eclipse path,” he said.

The documentary will continue to screen at the Temple Theatre until September 11, with tickets available for $10 at the box office or online at templehoulton.com. The enthusiastic turnout and community involvement reflect Houlton’s spirit and preparedness, making the event a fitting tribute to the town’s hard work leading up to the celestial event.