Experiencing Interruptions?

An Extraordinary Place

In an era dominated by algorithm-driven streaming platforms, music has never been more accessible—millions of songs are just a click away. And yet, many listeners feel disconnected. An Extraordinary Place is a 34-minute documentary that explores the lasting appeal of small, volunteer-run radio stations—spaces fueled not by algorithms, but by passionate individuals driven by a deep love for music and a strong sense of community.

  • Tom Bell
    Director
  • Annella Linton
    Producer
  • Roger McCord
    Second Unit Director
  • Jennifer Mandel
    Music Supervisor
  • Henry Riley
    Drone Operator
  • Stephanie Perks
    Key Cast
  • Stephanie Perks
    Associate Producers
  • Helen Crimmins
    Associate Producers
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    39 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 15, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    13,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Maine International Film Festival
    Waterville, Maine
    United States
    July 20, 2024
    Maine Premier
    Best Short Film
  • Chain NYC Film Festival
    New York City
    United States
    July 27, 2024
  • Jersey Shore Film Festival
    Red Bank, New Jersey
    United States
    July 5, 2024
    Best Human Interest Documentary
  • New York True Venture Film Festical
    New York City
    United States
    June 20, 2024
    New York Premier
    Finalist
  • Courtyard Indepdendent Film Festival
    Naples
    Italy
    May 31, 2024
    European
    Best Editing
  • St. Louis International Film Festival
    St Louis, MO
    United States
    November 16, 2024
  • Camden International Film Festival
    Camden, Maine
    United States
    September 28, 2024
  • Worcester Film Festival
    Worcester
    United Kingdom
    August 24, 2024
    UK premier
    Best Documentary
  • Maine Outdoor Film Festival
    Portland, Maine
    United States
    September 17, 2024
    Best Maine Film
  • Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
    Canada
    September 7, 2024
    Canada
    Best Director, Documentary – Tom Bell
Director Biography - Tom Bell

Tom Bell (photo) is a former reporter for the Anchorage Daily News and the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He lives in Yarmouth, Maine and works as a photographer and documentary filmmaker. His company is wickedcreativefilmcompany.com

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Director Statement

"An Extraordinary Place" focuses on one quirky radio station in Maine, but its themes are universal. Radio is an obsolete technology that should no longer exist. Consumers today can access 100 million songs on their cell phones with online platforms like Spotify. But the digital world has left many people feeling isolated and lonely. Community radio stations like WMPG are beloved because they are powered by humans rather than algorithms. Audiences worldwide are responding to the film because they yearn for community and a human connection to music.