Vermont PBS, Vermont’s statewide public television network, will christen the launch of its second HD channel,Vermont PBS Plus, with the broadcast premiere of the epic new film,Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie July 19.Several years in the making,The Vermont Movieis a six-part, 8-hour compilation of the work of four dozen Vermont filmmakers. It explores the state’s iconoclastic spirit through a thematic lens, rather than a chronological history. In so doing, it offers an intriguing new approach to telling Vermont’s story.
The film premieres on Vermont PBS Plus over six consecutive nights,Monday, July 14 through Saturday, July 19, at8 p.m.Each nightly installment will be followed by a short interview segment with several of the filmmakers.
Throughout its history, Vermont has been a state shaped by independent thinkers and activists; a state in which conservatives and liberals are not only neighbors – they frequently depend on each other for survival. In a groundbreaking collaboration,The Vermont Movieuses a variety of techniques to explore the state through a handful of thematic strands that have characterized its history. In the process, the filmmakers have created a fresh, living testament to the unique history and contemporary culture of the Green Mountain State, revealing compelling stories of Vermonters past and present, from all walks of life. Nora Jacobson is the series director and editor. Nat Winthrop is executive producer.
The film represents a fitting kick off for Vermont PBS Plus, the public television network’s second HD service. Vermont PBS Plus aims to become a viable venue for more local and regional content from a variety of independent producers, as well as a site for additional PBS content and alternative scheduling of some of the popular programs already seen on the station’s main channel. Vermont PBS is the only broadcaster in the state to be offering two simultaneous HD services.
Where to find Vermont PBS Plus:Over the air, Vermont PBS Plus occupies the station’s “.2” broadcast position (Burlington 33.2; St. Johnsbury 20.2; Rutland 28.2; Windsor 41.2; Manchester 30.2; Pownal 46.2) Via cable, Comcast carries it on channel 731 across most of the state. In the Rutland area, it’s found on Comcast channel 725; in the Springfield/Claremont area, Comcast channel 726. Charter cable carries it on channel 114 in Vermont and New Hampshire. Burlington Telecom will air it on channel 307.
Vermont PBS is currently working with other cable providers to have Vermont PBS Plus included in their HD offerings. Visit their website atvermontpbs.orgfor updates. For more information aboutFreedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie, visitthevermontmovie.com.