by Heidi Stevens

Two local filmmakers, Colin Hodgson and Lucas Fappiano (now both 26), spent their childhood in Leeds. They were surrounded by nature, good friends, and interesting neighbors, all helping to shape their creativity. They found an understanding of what makes a strong community – its people and how they connect with others. From the early Leeds pumpkin parties and pizza parties to playing Little League to the highlight of their summers – “Summer Ball” –

Jim Mias was a big presence in their lives.

For many years, Summer Ball happened three times a week throughout the summer after the normal town baseball season ended. It was pick-up baseball for kids managed by Jim Mias and was more than just fun – it was a destination on summer mornings for kids (and parents!) that guaranteed to produce wild plays, hilarious challenges, camaraderie, and lifelong memories.

Lucas and Colin both studied film in college, and Colin had neighborhood mentors who worked in film (Julie Akeret and Tricia Reidy). Colin says learning about people and discovering a story makes documentary filmmaking exciting for him. So, when Lucas called Colin and said he wanted to make a documentary about Jim, Colin immediately said yes!

Colin explains, “Before we started filming we decided on a few major categories: family, early life, Summer Ball, Little League, the VA, etc. Due to the constraints of the short format, we had to leave out many aspects of Jim’s life, such as his sculptures, his jobs at Leeds Mart and Birds, and his early childhood. We filmed two interviews with Jim on consecutive days (each two hours long). Those two interviews helped guide me when I was editing, and from there, we were able to build the film’s structure.”

Lucas and Colin did 99% of the filming. Colin’s brother, Rowan, filmed a few beautiful drone shots. The film moves through different landscapes: local street scenes, along the bike path, talking by the fire pit. The film is peppered with interviews of Summer Ball kids (now grown), neighbors, and Robin Forsyth – Jim’s wife and best friend. Colin and Lucas manage to capture the essence of Jim Mias and his free-form, non-conforming happy spirit and the wonderful simplicity of it.

In December 2023, Colin and Lucas organized a free local documentary film festival at the Academy of Music. “Small Lives” was one of six short films that played to a packed house. So many attended that they had to open the balcony! I asked Colin and Lucas how it felt to have a packed house. Colin says, “It felt amazing, much better than I was expecting! It was great to see so many people come out and support local filmmakers, although I have a suspicion that a large percentage of people came to see Jim. I can’t blame them for that, that’s what would have brought me too.” Lucas says, “I have never had a feeling like that night. I am so happy we could give Jim the appreciation he deserves, happy we were able to bring the community together for a night to support local art.”

Recently, the filmmakers launched a film production company, Blue Heron Productions. They have submitted “Small Lives” to eight regional film festivals and will continue to submit to more festivals as they open up. Unfortunately, they cannot share the film publicly until after “Small Lives” premieres at festivals (or is denied). “Small Lives” was submitted to the Easthampton Film Festival, and they’re very hopeful that it will be accepted. Once they’re done with the festival run, they will release it publicly online.

You can view the Small Lives trailer here:

* * * UPDATE * * * 

Small Lives was accepted to the Easthampton Film Festival and will be shown at 2pm on Saturday, May 4th at CitySpace in Easthampton.