Vitality in film production activity in the newly rejuvenated Boston is taking many forms. There's the revived Massachusetts Film Office under the knowing leadership of Nick Paleologos; there's the emergence of Beanywood, with young energy devoted to unifying and promoting the film community; there's Paul Sherman's book covering the history of filmmaking in the area; and now there's "12", a twelve-part film showcasing the work of some of Boston's most accomplished filmmakers.

Organized by filmmakers Scott Masterson and Vladimir Manuti, who have participated in a great number of film projects in the region, "12" is a project that involves the talents of twelve area filmmakers. Structured around the twelve months of the year, each director takes a month and develops a story in which the month is important. Furthermore, it must be shot during the designated month. For example, one of the directors, Garth Donovan, shot his April story the last weekend of April.

Although the directors have free reign over their projects, there are frequent meetings of all the participants. Also, there are overlapping characters and motifs, and a couple of constants that must appear in each episode. This is not as rigorous as the Dogma 95 progeny that inspired the Scottish film RED ROAD, a feature film where the same characters will appear in two other completely different films by different directors. But, Masterson insists, "12" will stand alone as a film worth watching.

The purpose of the project is to draw attention the the talent that is in the area, a talent that has been dormant since the days of NEXT STOP WONDERLAND, almost ten years ago. The participants, for the most part, work on commercials and get assignments, often through Central Booking, on feature films like FEVER PITCH, or the series THE BROTHERHOOD, being shot in Rhode Island. They are all industry professionals. Of the group, Donovan is the most improvisational, and even he wrote a script and used a tripod for his segment.

The organizers hope for a limited theatrical release. Whatever happens it is an ambitious and worthwhile project that can be a valuable part of the Renaissance in filmmaking in Massachusetts.