From Toronto to Shanghai, An Extraordinary Place, is winning hearts and recognition in renowned film festivals across the globe. Most recently, the 34-minute documentary — which explores the unique community behind the University of Southern Maine’s beloved WMPG radio station — has received a Special Mention in Barcelona’s Love and Hope International Film Festival and won Best Sound Design at the Shanghai Shorts Film Festival.
Produced by Annella Linton, WMPG’s Director of Development, and directed by Tom Bell, the film spotlights the more than 200 individuals who bring the station to life, and the sense of belonging, joy, and meaning they find in being a part of it. At a time when algorithms and digital platforms shape much of how we experience music, the film invites viewers into WMPG’s eclectic and welcoming crew of DJs and storytellers, who embody the connection and creativity that grow from volunteering.
Since 2024, An Extraordinary Place has been screened at festivals across Europe, Asia and North America, earning recognition for storytelling, directing, sound design and editing.
This Fall, Linton and Bell traveled across the Atlantic to represent WMPG and USM at the Love and Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona. They were joined by several of the station’s DJs and musicians featured in the film, along with friends and family who made the trip to support them.
“When word got out we were going, some other volunteers, including Orson from the band Bondeko, decided to join to support us,” recounted Linton, “It was great to have this support in Spain from fellow WMPG supporters and DJ’s here in Maine”.
In Barcelona, An Extraordinary Place received a Special Mention Award. The team celebrated the win together, sharing their Southern Maine pride with audiences around the world.
The film aired on Maine Public Television in early October and is now available to stream on the Maine Public website. It will also be published on YouTube in November. An Extraordinary Place continues to highlight the global impact of local radio and the culture of creativity, community, belonging and inclusion built here on the USM campus.
Awards and Honors (2024–2025):
- Shanghai International Short Week (Oct 2025) – Winner
- Love and Hope International Film Festival (Sept 2025) – Honorable Mention
- Barcelona Indie Awards (Feb 2025) – Best Short Documentary
- Worcester Film Festival, UK (Sept 2024) – Best Documentary Film
- Maine Outdoor Film Festival (July 2024) – Best Maine Film
- Maine International Film Festival (July 2024) – Best Short Film
- Toronto Indie Shorts (July 2024) – Best Documentary
- Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (2024) – Best Director (Documentary)
- Jersey Shore Film Festival (July 2024) – Best Documentary – Human Interest
- Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles – Best Sound Design
- Courtyard Independent Film Festival, Italy – Best Editing
MegaFlix Movie Awards, UK – Gold Award
Learn more about An Extraordinary Place here.