Black Bear Film Festival takes the trolley to town

Films, famous folks and bears abound

By SANDY LONG

MILFORD, PA — If the bears around town could talk, they might tell you what’s about to happen when the Black Bear Film Festival rolls into Milford on October 12 through 15: fantastic films, a gala kickoff event at the newly restored Hotel Fauchere, the appearance of famous actors and directors, a free Film Salon and free Film EnviroFest, first-ever trolley rides to offsite film locations and the auction of 18 original bear sculptures.

From their perspective as street stars, the bears that stud the sidewalks await their moment in the limelight at the festival’s close, when results of the ongoing silent auction are announced. According to festival director Nancy Pitcher bear bids typically range between $300 and $1,500, with $3,500 being the highest bid ever placed on a bear.

Created by regional artists and organizations, the bears are unique interpretations of widely varying ideas and themes.

If asked for their festival favorites, “Black Bear in Black and White” might mention the appearance of 1950’s film star Arlene Dahl. The glamorous Dahl will discuss her movies and costars in an interview with film critic John DiLeo, following a reel of her career highlights and a rare screening of “The Black Book,” the black and white French Revolution thriller filmed in a shadowy film-noir style.

“One Bear Band” would likely suggest the part-tribute concert, part-biography film, “Leonard Cohen, I’m Your Man,” about the legendary singer songwriter and poet.

“Aqueous Aquifer Bear” would definitely push the free films of Sunday’s EnviroFest, where a sneak preview of the upcoming public television documentary about Pike County, “Nature’s Keepers,” will be shown.

“Local Color” might be the local favorite for “Community Bear,” directed by George Gallo, an accomplished artist who painted throughout the Upper Delaware region for many years. Up and coming actor Trevor Morgan will make an appearance following the film.

Main theatre programmer Matthew Seig advocates also for “Solo Dios Sabe,” a film using travel as a metaphor for spiritual transformation, which he calls “startlingly beautiful and very polished,” and “Flannel Pajamas,” which Seig describes as an adult romance about the importance of love in our lives and how its qualities change over time. Directors for each film, Carlos Bolado and Jeff Lipsky, will answer questions following their films.

Seig also encourages families to see “Viva Cuba,” which he calls a wonderful family adventure film with a charming story.

Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to innovate, with the addition of a trolley that will truck filmgoers to offsite viewing locations affording the opportunity to view regional fall foliage.

Tickets to individual main theatre films are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. If sold out, festival-goers can join the “rush line” 10 minutes before each showing for the chance of still obtaining a seat. All Film Salon, EnviroFest and trolley films and events are free of charge.

For more information, including schedules and descriptions of films, times and locations, visit blackbearfilm.com or call 570/409-0909.

FREE EnviroFest Events

See new films that tackle environmental issues head on. Participate in post-film discussions. Find out who appears in different Pike County films.

Don’t miss a SNEAK PREVIEW of the upcoming public television documentary, “Nature’s Keepers.” Filmed throughout Pike County, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of someone you know or some place you recognize. The preview is preceded by “Forest Stewardship at the Urban/Rural Interface,” a locally produced film from Pike County’s past.

CHECK OUT:

“Chased by the Light: A Photographic Journey with Jim Brandenburg,” “Frankensteer,” “Controversy on the Delaware: A Look Upstream at the Tocks Island Dam Project,” “Dinner for Two,” “Designing a Great Neighborhood” and “Swim for the River.”

FREE Salon Films and Lectures

Cutting-edge films, industry insiders and interested moviegoers explore the art of filmmaking with screenings, lectures and panel discussions. Attend talks on “Gone with the Wind: Myth, Story and History” by historians Les Jensen and Juanita Leisch Jensen, who will discuss the film’s faithfulness to the Civil War era; and “Production Design and Fashion,” by Pike County resident, Kalina Ivanov, who is currently enjoying success as production designer of this year’s hit “Little Miss Sunshine,” which will be screened at the Milford Theatre following the opening night gala.

CHECK OUT:

“A Day in the Country,” “The Night of the Shooting Stars,” “Johnny Berlin,” “Irene Williams: Queen of Lincoln Road,” the Best of DIGit festival from the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, animated children’s films depicting best selling books and the best short graduate student films.

FREE Trolley Rides

Teaming up with the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the BBFF has arranged for FREE trolley rides. Festivalgoers can explore Milford and take the trolley to offsite film locations while enjoying the spectacular fall foliage.

CHECK OUT:

“Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action,” (shown at PEEC in conjunction with PEEC’s Pow Wow in the Poconos); “Beethoven’s Hair” (screened at The Columns Museum of the Pike County Historical Society) and conservation-themed selections at Grey Towers National Historic Site.

Main theatre films are shown at the Milford Theatre, 114 E. Catharine Street. Salon and EnviroFest films are shown in the Garage at 105 E. Catharine Street. Visit the website for times and locations of films and trolley.