Narrowsburg news

Big Eddy Film Festival, back and bigger than ever

By Greg Triggs
Posted 9/3/20

It’s time to go to the movies!

In a burst of pandemic creativity, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) will expand the Big Eddy Film Festival (BEFF) beyond the movie theater for …

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Narrowsburg news

Big Eddy Film Festival, back and bigger than ever

Posted

It’s time to go to the movies!

In a burst of pandemic creativity, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) will expand the Big Eddy Film Festival (BEFF) beyond the movie theater for one-of-a-kind experiences, by presenting films outdoors and online. Themes of the films being presented include untold female stories and the intersection of politics and music. Screenings will take place at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Terrace Stage, the Big Eddy Film Festival’s online streaming platform, and at a pop-up drive-in outside Narrowsburg.

The fun officially begins on Friday, September 25 with the theatrical screening of “Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President” at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. The film chronicles the relationship that music played in Carter’s early life, his campaign for the White House and his term as the 39th President of the United States (1977 - 1981). Particularly relevant in this election year, director Mary Wharton traces how Carter’s genuine approachability became key to his political appeal and allowed him to connect with voters. His embrace of music helped the peanut farmer from small-town Georgia reach out across racial and generational divides, in a manner that will hopefully inspire contemporary politicians and voters alike.

The festival continues at Bethel Woods on Saturday, September 26 with the world premiere theatrical screening of the new drama “Gossamer Folds,” a coming of age story set in 1980s Missouri. Ten-year-old Tate (Jackson Robert Scott, “It”) defies his transphobic father and develops a strong bond with his transgender neighbor Gossamer (Alexandra Grey, “Empire,” “Transparent”) and her father, a retired English professor who is still processing his child’s identity. The Advocate says “It’s a nuanced exploration of childhood, identity, friendship and family dynamics, especially the formation of found families. Its characters are multilayered, imperfect and evolving.”

In yet another innovative choice, “Grease is the word” on Thursday, September 24. An exclusive event for BEFF Superstar Passholders, the Big Eddy will host a film in the field screening of the musical phenomenon “Grease” (1978) starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. It’s California 1959; greaser Danny Zuko and wholesome exchange student Sandy Olsson are in love. When the summer ends and school begins, things get complicated, and we don’t mean Zoom classrooms. 

Pop the tailgate and cozy up under a blanket or bring lawn chairs to sit around a personal campfire in the field. Bring your own brown bag dinner or enjoy snacks and beverages from the concession stand. 

Please note, you must have a BEFF Superstar Passholder to attend all three nights of in-person screenings. Individual tickets are not available for this event.

“For our extended 10-day virtual festival, we’ve curated a lineup of new documentaries relevant to today’s world that will be available on our new streaming platform starting Thursdsay, September 24,” says festival director Tina Spangler. “Cozy up at home for these fascinating nonfiction stories exploring a spectrum of women’s experiences, and then join us online for hosted conversations with the makers. Meet a police chief actively reforming her department, an artist creating tools to demystify the female libido, and the first Mrs. Johnny Cash, whose long-overdue story is told by her daughters.”

The full descriptions of each streaming film are available on the festival website.

Tickets are available to individual films, for both physical screenings and online films. Big Eddy Film Festival Superstar Passes include admission to three nights of outdoor screenings, plus a panel discussion at Bethel Woods and a 2020 BEFF sweatshirt. (Note: online screenings are not included in the pass). Tickets and passes are on sale now. 

For more details, visit www.BigEddyFilmFest.com or call DVAA 845/252-7576.

Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, big eddy, festival, back, narrowsburg,

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