Black Bear to celebrate 'Films and Filmmakers'

MILFORD — This year, Black Bear is taking a peek behind the big screen.
“We’re celebrating both great films and the multi-talented people who make the films — producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, musicians, and costume designers, including some local filmmakers of distinction,” said Will Voelkel, executive director of this year's Black Bear Film Festival and a member of its five-member Programming and Events Committee.
Voelkel promises this will add a whole new dimension to this year’s festival, to be held Oct. 14 to 16 at the historic Milford Theatre and several other venues in Milford. Guests can interact filmmakers throughout the weekend.
“We’re doubling the entertainment value,” said board member Carol Needleman. Patrons will not only enjoy the films themselves but will get to hear how they were made, she said — "the concepts, the ideas, the execution, the joys and the challenges.”
Director Mark Christopher will talk about “54 — The Director’s Cut," the newly edited version (the director’s “cut”) of the film “54,” originally released in 1998.
“The studio edited my original version to meet the demands of the studio at that time,” says Christopher. “Now, I’ve been able to re-edit the film, delete the studio’s added footage, and restore much of my original footage so the film now reflects my original vision.”
The film received rave reviews when it debuted at the Berlin Film Festival last year.
Hollywood historian and author John DiLeo will interview Christopher, who will also participate in an audience talk-back session. Many other film screenings and events will also feature directors, producers, actors and others who made the featured films at this year’s festival (please see sidebar).

'Fun, inspiring, interactive'

“This is the direction that many film festivals are moving toward,” says Ken Ferris, a member of the Programming and Events Committee and camera operator whose films include "Field of Dreams," "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Scent of a Woman," and "Pleasantville." Ferris was also the cinematographer on the film "Pizza," directed by Mark Christopher ("54") and shot entirely in Milford.
“The idea is to make the whole festival experience fun, inspiring and interactive," Ferris said.
Film celebrities — Other filmmakers and film celebrities scheduled to participate include film critic and Hollywood raconteur Rex Reed, producer Bob Levine, directors Johnny Greenlaw, Jon Bowermaster, and Antonia Thompson, and many actors from the featured films.
Celebrating Women Filmmakers — The Sunday afternoon “Celebrating Women Filmmakers” segment will include a special award to Nancy Pitcher, former Executive Director of the Black Bear Film Festival, a screening of “She’s Nobody’s Baby,” and a panel with screenwriter Amy Ferris, costume designer Ingrid Price, screenwriter/producer Judy White, actress/screenwriter Mandy Bruno, screenwriter Amy Ferris, production designer Karen Gropman and many others.
Opening night gala — The traditional opening night gala also offer something new with its theme “Food, Wine and Filmmakers.” Instead of the traditional buffet dinner, the gala will offer tapas, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, and desserts prepared by area restaurants, a wine bar, an awards ceremony honoring Rex Reed and Black Bear Film Festival founding President Jerry Beaver, music, and “mixing and mingling” with the filmmakers. The gala will be followed by the screening of the new highly-acclaimed drama with music, “Mommy’s Box,” with a Q*&A with its director/writer, stars, and music composer.
“We welcome our ‘veteran’ festival goers with open arms and we hope newcomers will see what we’re all about, too,” said board co-presidents Amy Bridge and Amy Eisenberg. “Our goal is to provide something for everyone.”

Tickets

Tickets are available at:
Web: blackbearfilm.com
Phone: 570-409-4065
Black Bear office : 109 Catharine St., Milford (Borough Building, 2 floor, open weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Prices are as follows:
Opening Night Gala and film passes — $75
Gold Passes to the entire weekend of films and events — $150
I ndividual movies — $10 in advance, $12 at the box office as available