“An Extraordinary Place,” a 30-minute documentary film about WMPG Radio, the renowned radio station affiliated with the University of Southern Maine, will premiere at the WMPG 50th birthday party at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success on the campus of the University of Southern Maine in Portland.

The film will be available for public viewing shortly after the premiere.

“An Extraordinary Place” delves deep into the heart of an extraordinary community and explores the stories, the people, and the experiences that make it truly unique. This captivating documentary is set to wow audiences with its rich storytelling and insightful interviews, showcasing the artistry and dedication that go into creating a thriving and vibrant community. The documentary takes viewers on a remarkable journey through the lives of the community members who work tirelessly to make their space truly extraordinary. It highlights the shared vision, determination, and the unwavering spirit of individuals dedicated to making a difference.

The film is directed and produced by Tom Bell. an accomplished filmmaker and a key figure at WMPG. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Bell provides viewers with an intimate and compelling look into the heart of this extraordinary place.

“This project has been a labor of love, and I hope that it will inspire and uplift everyone who watches it. It’s a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the individuals who make this community so special,” said Tom Bell, the film’s director and producer.

The 50th birthday party will start with a short parade from WMPG to the new McGoldrick Student Success Center. The Ideal Maine Social Aid and Sanctuary Band will head the parade with their New Orleans style parade band. Food and beverages along with jazz music from the Marc Chillemi Quintet will follow. And after the film, there will be DJ’s from past and present entertaining the crowd.

WMPG began in 1971 as a pirate radio station at the University of Southern Maine, previously known as UMPG (University of Maine Portland Gorham). Howard Allen, a USM student stuck an antenna out of his dorm window, used bits from a washing machine as his first console, and successfully broadcast his music throughout the Gorham campus. With the help of USM officials and our friends at Maine Public Broadcasting Network, WMPG successfully broadcast its first legal radio signal at 11 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1973. WMPG is now a Non-Commercial Educational FCC licensed radio station owned by the University of Maine System, located on the campus of the University of Southern Maine in Portland. WMPG broadcasts locally on 90.9FM and also streams on wmpg.org, and on the WMPG app.

For more information about “An Extraordinary Place” and to connect with the team behind this film, contact Tom Bell directly at 207-613-4361 or tbell@tombellmedia.com.

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