November 7th, 2026
Shirley Meeting House | 41 Brown Road, Shirley, MA
Full Schedule with showtimes and selected films to be announced soon. Please stay tuned.
2026 Feature Documentary
The film — newly re-released under its expanded title — tells the story of how a Boston rock radio station helped ignite the cultural and political revolution of the late 1960s and beyond, becoming both participant and platform for the anti-war movement, civil rights, women’s and LGBTQ rights, and the rise of countercultural media.
Featuring members of the legendary WBCN airstaff, along with rare early radio appearances by David Bowie, Lou Reed, Jane Fonda, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Garcia, Bruce Springsteen, and Patti Smith.
The film aired nationally on PBS and received coverage from major publications including The Boston Globe, which called it a film audiences “watch with awe.”
Directed by Peabody Award–winner Bill Lichtenstein, who began working at WBCN at age 14 in 1970.
Feature Silent Film
Buster Keaton’s 1925 silent comedy Go West follows “Friendless” (Keaton), a down-on-his-luck drifter who cannot find steady work in the city and stows away on a freight train heading out to the American West.
Tag Vennard – Pianist, Salem, NH
Tag grew up in Westford, MA, honing his musical chops in the 60’s and 70’s rock scene with the band Stanley Gwizdak. A self-proclaimed ‘old hippy,’ he believes in the healing power of music, creating peaceful, feel-good vibes wherever he plays. We’re delighted to feature Tag on the Shirley Meeting House baby grand piano as our accompanist for ‘Go West.’
Click Here to Upload and Enter your Video Submission
Created to celebrate the heart of our community, this award recognizes a film that captures the people, places, traditions, and moments that make Shirley, and our surrounding region, such a special place to call home.
We invite local residents, students, families, organizations, and aspiring filmmakers to share their stories. You don’t need professional equipment—a smartphone and a good story are all it takes.
Spirit of Shirley Award – Submission Guidelines
Eligibility
- Open to filmmakers of all experience levels.
- Individuals, families, students, clubs, and organizations are encouraged to participate.
- Films should highlight the people, places, history, traditions, nature, or community spirit of Shirley or the surrounding region.
Length
- 2–5 minutes
Submission Deadline October 15, 2026
Submissions to Spirit of Shirley Award are free.
Upload your film to YouTube or Vimeo as unlisted – not public.
Complete the submission form to enter. CLICK HERE
For all other submission categories
Submit your work for consideration today at the link below.
About Us
This community film festival at the Shirley Center Meeting House in central Massachusetts is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, art and music. We are delighted that this unique venue now offers an opportunity to enjoy and support both local and international film making.
Festival Producer, Nancy Beaudette, perhaps best know as a songwriter and performing artist, is also an accredited TV show producer. “StudioX-Pose Arts and Music” a series created and produced by Nancy ran throughout Ontario, Canada for three years, winning the “Cogeco Star Award – Entertainment Show of the Year” in its inaugural season. She also co-hosted the nationally broadcast show, “In Good Faith” for two years in Ottawa, Canada, with A-Channel Media. Nancy’s background in media production and community engagement drives her mission to connect diverse voices and audiences. Her enthusiasm for showcasing innovative work has made the festival a beloved event in the region, celebrating both emerging talent and established artists in the film industry.
FREE ADMISSION
(Cash donations to the Meeting House encouraged and appreciated!)
(Children must be accompanied by a parent at all times)
This historic building is best enjoyed with a cush for your tush
Shirley Film Fest is Sponsored by
