Summer Solstice tells a story set in coastal Maine, a reflective coming-of-age tale starring George Fivas as Joshua Ballard, a brilliant but aimless and misunderstood college student who finds solace in composing music and writing.
But when his anguished state of mind leads him to cross paths with contemplative lighthouse keeper Seth Arden (Joe Estevez) and his niece Andrea Bettencourt (Brook Jenell Slack, voiced Jelly Otter in Disney's PB&J Otter from 1998 to 2000), the encounter leads Joshua to transcend a personal crisis through an odyssey of self-discovery, and accept the compassion of his friends, old and new, which ultimately saves his life.
Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Karen Black (Five Easy Pieces and The Great Gatsby)[1] plays a stern university professor.
The film was directed by George Fivas, a published scientist and a founder of the jazz and popular music group, Apollo.
Some reviews have cited production shortfalls from apparent budget limitations and minor storytelling flaws, but have praised the film's sincere portrayals, heartfelt themes, scenic landscapes, and the beauty of Tim Janis' music.