Fairhaven filmmaker Alyssa Botelho speaks to the audience during the Film Soiree at Fairhaven Town Hall on 8/25/23 to support her newest independent film, “Sweet Freedom,” about 19th century New Bedford abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven filmmaker Alyssa Botelho is starting another project. And with a $10,000 grant from New Bedford Creative, she’s well on her way to making it a reality.
“Sweet Freedom” is a 25 minute film based on local historical figure Mary “Polly” Johnson, a prolific 19th century abolitionist and confectioner from New Bedford. The story follows Polly as she prepares for the largest party of her career while fighting to protect the fugitive slaves in her home.
Ms. Botelho held a “Film Soiree” in the Fairhaven Town Hall auditorium on Friday, 8/25/23, which featured 10 short films, from two minutes long to 24 minutes long.
Admission, snacks, and refreshments were free, and the 50 or so patrons had a chance to buy raffle tickets for a variety of services and products donated by local businesses.
Ms. Botelho said she is co-producing this latest film with a team. In addition to the $10K from NB Creative, she needs to raise another $15-20,000. The funds will be used to compensate cast and crew, secure local and historically accurate locations, pay for equipment costs, meals, lodging, etc.
Carter Goodrich drove from Danbury, CT, to support his friend Lionel Jeffries, who is part of the production. He said he expected to see some good films during the night.
His companion, Claire Sorti, said she was not sure what to expect specifically.
“Just a lot of creative people showing off their stuff,” she said.
At intermission, Bill Farrell said they were good so far.
“I liked some better than others,” he said.
Friends and crew members Elsie, Bianca, Claudia, Kaitlyn, and Emma said they wanted to support the movie and Alyssa.
“I love all of them,” said Claudia about the Soiree films.
Barbara Acksen of Fairhaven said she attended to show support to Ms. Botelho and other local talent.
“They’re quite good,” said Ms. Acksen during intermission. “Interesting. And I love the dancing,” she added, referring to the film “After Closing.”
The final film of the evening was Ms. Botelho’s last short film, “To Dust All Return,” which has won a number of awards. Ms. Botelho is working on a full length film based on the short.
Liam Sivertsen wore his best old-time Hollywood attire, complete with suit and fedora. He won a tour for 10 at Westport Winery in the raffle. A self-described “budding filmmaker,” Mr. Sivertsen said he believes the area will have more movies being filmed here.
“This area needs more filmmakers,” he said.
“It went very well,” said Ms. Botelho at the end of the night. “It’s awesome to see the community get together to support local film,” she said, adding it helps all local filmmakers.
Ms. Botelho said she has done some traveling related to her film work, and it reinforces that this is a special area, a special community where people want to support the arts.
After the event, Ms. Botelho said they evening raised $1148.
“And the FOUR $2 bills gifted for ‘good luck’ were not overlooked,” Ms. Botelho wrote on her Facebook page
The production will set up a crowdfunding page at https://www.indiegogo.com soon so anyone can contribute. Ms. Botelho said it should be live in a couple of weeks and will be announced on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/sweetfreedom_film
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- Lionel Jeffries poses for the local free sheet while handing out the night’s schedule during the Film Soiree at Fairhaven Town Hall on 8/25/23 to support Alyssa Botelho’s newest independent film, “Sweet Freedom,” about 19th century New Bedford abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson. Photo by Beth David
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- Liam Sivertson is in his best old time Hollywood character after winning a raffle for a tour of Westport Rivers Winery during the Film Soiree at Fairhaven Town Hall on 8/25/23 to support Alyssa Botelho’s newest independent film, “Sweet Freedom,” about 19th century New Bedford abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson. Photo by Beth David.
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- Jay Michaels, President of the Historical Harp Society, plays the harp during the Film Soiree at Fairhaven Town Hall on 8/25/23 to support Alyssa Botelho’s newest independent film, “Sweet Freedom,” about 19th century New Bedford abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson. Photo by Beth David.
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- Some friends take their star shot by the curtain during the Film Soiree at Fairhaven Town Hall on 8/25/23 to support Alyssa Botelho’s newest independent film, “Sweet Freedom,” about 19th century New Bedford abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson. L-R Back: Elsie, Bianca, Claudia, Kaitlyn. Front: Emma. Photo by Beth David.
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- Derek Frates is dressed in his bestest tuxedo t-shirt to attend the Film Soiree at Fairhaven Town Hall on 8/25/23 to support Alyssa Botelho’s newest independent film, “Sweet Freedom,” about 19th century New Bedford abolitionist and confectioner Mary “Polly” Johnson. Photo by Beth David.
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