What is the JAM Summer Feature Film Intensive?

JAM’s inaugural Summer Feature Film Intensive (SFFI) will offer a learning experience in professional filmmaking for all involved – including more than 80 high school and college interns, local actors moving from stage to screen, JAM staff, regional freelancers, volunteers already committed – and (eventually) countless audiences near and far who will experience JAM’s first scripted feature film.

The process will elevate our regional capacity for high-quality filmmaking. The end product will be an entertaining, heart-felt feature film intended for theatrical and streaming distribution that captures what makes the Upper Valley so special – our distinct identity, character, and sense of place. Our production will pilot a nonprofit filmmaking model intended to seed future Upper Valley filmmaking.

The film will capture Upper Valley places and rituals that connect us – from summertime tubing on the White River to the Norwich Fair to mile-high ice cream cones at Fore-U. At a deeper level, the film will tell a story about the intergenerational connections that hold our social fabric together and join us in a common destiny. The SFFI is designed for participants to gain real-world experiences that mirror the fictional film’s themes. We will forge bonds through shared work, creative collaboration, longtime and new friendships, and challenging conversations that lead us to common ground.

As of MAY 1, the SFFI is fully enrolled with 15 high school and college crew interns and we are fully CAST!

JAM SFFI: Film Snapshot

Valley Transit

It’s never too late to come of age.

Logline: When an elderly man and teenage girl find camaraderie on public transit, the unlikely friendship that sparks leads to a summer discovering the world through new eyes, enabling each to mend bonds with loved ones at home and prepare for their next life transitions.

How can we help? Ways to Support

JAM needs to raise dedicated funding to make the Summer Feature Film Intensive possible. Through diligent effort, the producers have developed an ultra-low budget for a film of this scale that economizes on equipment and locations available at low cost. To complete this project, we need to raise $299,858 in total. If we succeed in raising $235,000 by June 1, 2026 we will have confidence to move into production. We currently seek major donors who are able and willing to show faith in the program’s immediate goals and long-term version to catalyze broader community giving to follow. As a contribution to JAM, a 501(c)3, your donation may be tax-deductible.

Thank you for considering a contribution to make Valley Transit and JAM’s first Summer Feature Film Intensive possible!

For more information on the project and/or how to get involved, please contact:

Producer Wei Dai at wei@uvjam.org or Samantha Davidson Green at samantha@uvjam.org

JAM Summer Feature Film Intensive 2026

Help the Upper Valley come together to make our first feature film!

Team Members