Far Out: Life On and After the Commune

Far Out: Life On and After the Commune traces fifty years in the lives of a group of New England writers, activists and artists. In 1968, in the middle of a left-wing faction fight, a group of radical journalists left New York City for the country, where they became pioneers in the back-to-the-land and organic farming movement.

In 1973, when a giant nuclear power plant was planned nearby, they became active opponents. In a dramatic act of civil disobedience, Sam Lovejoy, a commune member, toppled a 500 foot weather tower on the site. He turned himself in and, after a trial that drew national attention, was acquitted.

The group became leaders in the burgeoning antinuclear movement. The film tracks the dramatic battles over atomic power in Seabrook, New Hampshire and elsewhere. In 1979 they teamed up with Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash and other committed rock stars to produce five nights of sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden as well as a massive rally.

Blending contemporary interviews and a remarkable trove of original archival footage, Far Out is lively, humorous, inspiring and irreverent. 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.

A portion of the money from ticket sales will go to benefit the important work of KPFK, 90.7 Radio.