A Season Captured
The upcoming documentary 'Contenders' will debut on June 11 at the historic Bellows Falls Opera House, offering a cinematic look at the rise of the Fall Mountain Regional High School football program. Directed by Brantley Palmer, a librarian, archivist and documentary filmmaker, the film traces the team's underdog narrative from its earliest days to the present.
Palmer began shaping the project in 2022, eventually committing to a full season of filming that captured every game and required two practices per week throughout the campaign. The production brought together a small crew of volunteers and professionals, including camera operators Jennifer Chick‑Ruth, Ben Conant, Josh Rose and Jeff Coulter, editor Stephen Parkhurst, who also contributed drone footage, and composer Dustin Krefft. The soundtrack features the original song 'Blood on the Mountain' by Gordon Turrisi, a Fall Mountain alumnus, underscoring the film's emotional climax.
Voices From the Field
The documentary weaves interviews with current head coach Orion Binney, longtime mentor James Tremblay, and former coaches John Loupa and Bill Ranauro, while also preserving recollections from community figures such as Kevin Tallman, who reflects on the Connecticut Valley League's legacy. Player mothers Perrin Riendeau and Kelly Patch embody the steadfast support that surrounds the team, illustrating how families and neighbors become part of the story.
Premiere Details
The premiere will take place at 6 p.m. on June 11 at the Bellows Falls Opera House, where audiences will get the first glimpse of a story that has been years in the making. The event promises a celebration of local sport, creativity, and community spirit.