(The following letter, to the residents of Newtown, has been received for publication in The Newtown Bee.)

To the residents of Newtown:

As you know all too well, we are a country rife with tragedy. Perhaps none so profoundly felt than the heartbreak of your idyllic town. Some 20 months ago, we as a documentary team, began the daunting task of creating a film that would chronicle the resilience of Newtown. The plans are for a feature length film, which will air on PBS in the not too distant future. It has been a privilege to chronicle those who have lived through that unimaginable day, as they work so hard to find peace in the aftermath.

This is not intended to be a film with an overt political message. We simply feel that in this volatile age, the effects of tragedy need to be understood in order to carry on. And the efforts to regain normalcy deserve recognition. In order to portray that we’re reaching out to you as a community, to remind America that you are a town like any other, one built on tradition, celebration and kinship. It would be invaluable to include personal home videos that show who the people of Newtown really are. Specifically we are looking for:

Parades,

Picnics,

Sporting events,

Dances,

Graduations,

Holiday gatherings/Family celebrations, and

Concerts.

Please understand, we deeply respect your privacy. We are simply looking to show the heart of Newtown, rather than have its name be synonymous with one tragic morning. If you can help us achieve that in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email can be sent to info@newtownfilm.com. We’re happy to answer any and all questions or concerns that you may have.

Many thanks,

Kim A. Snyder, Director

245 W 55th St, Room 406, New York NY 10019          May 19, 2015