“Those People,” The Day’s documentary about the New London Talent Show, will premiere at the Garde Arts Center on Thursday, June 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at https://gardearts.org/events/those-people/

In the fall of 2010, the murder of Matthew Chew – committed by six teenagers – sowed anger, division and fear in New London. While residents argued how to respond to the tragedy, a group came together to stage a talent show at the Garde Arts Center. Over the next ten years, the annual New London Talent Show provided an outlet for young people in New London and the surrounding communities to express themselves, overcome obstacles and bridge divides.

“Those People” is a documentary film produced by The Day in partnership with the New London Talent Show that chronicles the show’s growth and tells the stories of the people whose lives were changed by the opportunities provided through the show. The film is directed by The Day’s Peter Huoppi and co-produced by Huoppi and Talent Show co-founder Curtis Goodwin.

Film Synopsis:
What do you do when you see division, fear, and heartbreak overtaking your small urban town but no one stepping up with a solution? In 2010, an unlikely group of citizens stood up and took action to heal the hurt of New London, CT, in the aftermath of a brutal murder that set the city ablaze with anger, fear, and racial divide.

They proved that we are all “Those People,” and yet, none of us are. This documentary follows the founders, participants, and volunteers of the New London Talent show, a showcase that was started to provide an outlet for the town’s local youth and would grow over the next decade to include more than 65 cities and towns, selling out the historic Garde Arts Center theater yearly. As you hear their stories, experiences, and pain, you will also see their triumphs…and a city brought together and prepared to confront the battles that would come in 2020 and beyond.

The New London Talent Show proved that when you face your biases and come together with your talents, you will be surprised by the healing, intentional conversations, and dreams that can arise. Unity begins with accepting our role in stereotyping others and admitting that at any time we can be, are, and have been “Those People.”
For more information on the New London Talent Show: https://newlondontalentshow.com

For more information on the Matthew Chew Memorial Scholarship Fund: https://www.cfect.org/Donors/Our-Family-of-Funds/The-Matthew-Chew-Memorial-Scholarship-Fund