Drama (and more) at the Black Bear Film Festival

More drama than usual is anticipated at the forthcoming Black Bear Film Festival (BBFF) this year, to be held on October 13, 14, and 15 at the Milford Theater. First, this is because more patrons have asked for dramatic films and the festival has obliged this year.

The second reason for more drama is that the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike is preventing Mark Ruffalo and Christopher Thornton, two of the biggest stars of the opening film (“Sympathy for Delicious”) from attending opening night at the festival. They needed to apply for a waiver to be sure they were in compliance because no actor can promote any film without an interim agreement from the union.

“I was initially very confident that the waiver would be granted, but so far there has been no word, “said Veronica Coyne, executive director of BBFF. “I’m still hopeful for good news about opening night, but with or without Thornton and Ruffalo in person, the film is worthy of seeing.” After speaking with Coyne, some good news did come in: Thornton’s waiver came through, allowing him to attend in person.

This is the 24th annual BBFF, which is dedicated to the memory of Davis R. Chant, one of the founding sponsors and a strong supporter for all these many years.

Below are the details for each day of the festival.

Friday, October 13

The festival kicks off with a red carpet reception in the tent in front of the Milford theater at 6 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. will be a screening of the opening film, “Sympathy for Delicious,” a gritty drama based on the real life story of Chris Thornton, a motorcyclist who ends up paralyzed and abandons his DJ job for the world of faith-healing. The cast includes Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney, Juliette Lewis, and Mark Ruffalo who both acts and directs the film.

Saturday, October 14

At 9:30 a.m., the festival will show a block of short films all dealing with “coming of age.” Then at 11;30 a.m., festival-goers can see a full-length drama/murder mystery called “Hayseed,” where a small town church congregation comes under investigation after their reverend is found dead. At 1:45 p.m., tune in for the documentary “Lakota Nation vs. the United States,” about how the Lakota fought to reclaim control of the Black Hills.

Things get industry-heavy at 4:30 p.m. with a short film block about characters and casting, which then leans into the documentary “Make Me Famous” at 6:15 p.m., about the art scene of the 1980s. After all that, an after party will take place at 8 p.m. at Forest Hall Studios. Concluding the night at 9 p.m. will be a collection of short creep show-type films.

Sunday, October 15

The festival continues the next day at 9:30 a.m. with NEPADOC, a documentary about northeast Pennsylvania. Then at 11:15 a.m., stop by for the documentary “Forty Years in a Box,” detailing the discovery of a 40-year-old box of 16mm films and the unexpected adventure it inspires.

Starting at 1:30 p.m., the festival will show a collection of short international films. Then at 3:30 p.m. stop in for award announcements and light refreshments at the Festival Tent. Rounding out the festival will be a presentation on “Time After Time,” by John DiLeo, at 4 p.m.

Ticket pricing varies by the type of activity or show. Individual tickets to the films are $15. Tickets to the opening red carpet and film are $85. Tickets to the after party and film on Saturday night are $60. Or go for the gold pass for $200, which gives entrants full access to all festival activities. For more information, visit blackbearfilm.com.