By Christy Nadalin

The comedy may be offbeat, but the accolades are spot-on: Rich Allen has won the Grand Prize for the New England Film Festival Award, presented annually to a New England director whose work brings cinematic excellence to an international audience.

Small Potatoes is a heartfelt, hilarious celebration of family, love, and the quirky adventures that bind us. Key cast and crew include Rich Allen, director and writer along with Jane Shepard; Denis Maloney, cinematographer; Matt Sarno, editor; Blythe Danner as Mimi; Amy Stiller as Gramma, Larry Bryggman as Boss; Leonidas Gulaptis as Eddie; and Hope Golds as Dena.

“This movie business has taken a lot of hard work over a long, long time,” said a gratified Allen, after learning of his award.

Not one to rest of his (literal) l

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