RIPTON — The North Branch School of Ripton is celebrating its 15th anniversary year and is making plans to offer a series of events as a way of thanking the community for its love and support throughout this time. The first event will take place Friday night, Oct. 9, at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. The North Branch School in conjunction with the Doug Fund at Vermont Community Foundation and THT will host the documentary film “Becoming Bulletproof.”
“Our goal with this series is to offer some thought-provoking and community engagement on the core themes of our three-year curriculum — Freedom and Revolution, Religion,and Utopian Life,” said Cindy Seligmann, NBS board member. “The showing of ‘Becoming Bulletproof’ exemplifies our current year’s topic of mapping a better world. Zeno Mountain Farm is working to do just that and we wanted to share their story with our community.”
“Becoming Bulletproof” documents the making of an original Western film called “Bulletproof.” “Bulletproof” features actors with and without disabilities who meet every year at Zeno Mountain Farm to write, produce and star in original short films. Founded by two brothers and their wives, Zeno Mountain Farm’s philosophy is to create a truly inclusive community that builds genuine friendships that transcend stigma and stereotypes. For them, their films aren’t about making a statement. “It’s all about making awesome movies,” they say.
“Becoming Bulletproof” chronicles the genesis of a riveting film and a personally and socially transformative experience. The film captures the essence of artistic expression through vibrant human bonds and powerful insights. As one of the actors says: “I do not want pity because I have a disability, I just want to be understood. I want disability to have a seat at the table in pop culture.”
The film has been shown around the country and has received several awards including Best Documentary, Audience Choice and Director’s Choice awards. “Simply the best film you and your family might ever get to see,” say actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest. “I will drag everyone I know to see this film, because I know they need to see it and they will thank me for it afterwards,” said actor Ted Danson.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m. with a question-and-answer session with Zeno Mountain Farm’s founders following the screening. A reception, hosted by Tourterelle Restaurant and Inn, will be held in the lobby of the theater after the event.
 Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased at the Town Hall Theater box office, www.townhalltheater.org. For more information, go to www.becomingbulletproof.com or www.zenomountainfarm.org.