Quotes from the Judges

“In a country with such diverse cultures, ethnicity and a myriad of communities, what exactly is a neighborhood? Well that was the idea behind the contest---what does it mean to you? Every American has their own definition and this very fact creates a richness and vitality that we seek to celebrate. We wanted people to express their heartfelt vision of their own neighborhood, and so we left the contest wide open for that individual creative expression. And it worked! From all across the country - from the suburbs, to the urban centers, to schools, to the heartland of America - we were awed by the films that were submitted. The neighborhood is alive and well. Indeed, it continues to be a core value for many, no matter if it is a city block, or just an apartment, or a whole town. For this first year of the National Neighborhood Day Film Contest, we were more than pleased with both the quality and quantity of the submissions. We celebrate all of the people who created and submitted a film demonstrating their heartfelt feelings about what their neighborhoods mean to them. And, of course, we congratulate this year’s winners."

- Lynne C. Couture, Director of the National Neighborhood Day Film Contest


" I was honored to be chosen as a judge for the first National Neighborhood Day Film Contest. The great thing about this competition was being exposed to such a diverse cross-section of people that loved where they lived enough to make a film about it. Real joy and real community were a part of every film I saw, not just the winners. The National Neighborhood Day Film Contest is a fantastic way for citizens to learn about and celebrate their communities at the same time."

- Gregg Hale, Producer and Filmmaker of the Blair Witch Project

"Don't kid yourself, these deeply felt films prove that the American neighborhood, with all it values, still thrives in great variety. Whether in the city or the open lands, Americans still are drawn together in freedom and celebration of their lives."

- Rick Smith, film and television veteran whose credits include True Lies, Meet Joe Black, Amistad, Dumb and Dumber, and Something about Mary