FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FILM LINEUP

The 6th Annual Black Bear Film Festival announces another thought-provoking, entertaining lineup of independent cinema, historical features, short films & animations, industry insider lectures, environmental film program, children's activities, and opportunities to talk with filmmakers about their art and craft, especially in the main theatre. Festival Dates are October 14-16; many events are free. Individual film tickets for the main theatre go on sale Wednesday, September 21at 11am.

The Opening Night Film is a Sneak Peak at Martin Scorsese's "Brooklyn Lobster," a bittersweet drama based on director Kevin Jordan's actual family business, Jordan's Lobster Dock in Brooklyn. Stars Danny Aiello and a formidable and funny Jane Curtin. Gold & Gala Passholders only; no individual tickets.

Saturday, October 15 main theatre film lineup:
9am "Howl's Moving Castle" (Animation/Fantasy, 119 min. Rated PG.) The world's premier animator Hayao Miyazaki ("Spirited Away") creates a stunningly inventive anime in a love story between Howl the sorcerer and Sophie, an 18 year old girl turned into a 90 year old hag by a witch's curse. The Disney/Pixar cast of voice characters includes Billy Crystal as a demon and Lauren Bacall as the witch.

11.15am "Ushpizin" (Comedy/Drama, 90 min, Rated PG, In Hebrew, subtitled.) In Jerusalem, a newly ultra-Orthodox Jewish couple approach the upcoming Succoth holiday in dire financial straits, yearning for a miracle, when two unexpected guests from the husband's hoodlum past arrive at the door. The first film made in the ultra-Orthodox community, bringing the Haredi to most audiences for the first time. Funny and uplifting. Pre-release USA Screening.

1pm "Paradise Now" (Suspense/Thriller, 90 min. Rated PG-13. In Arabic, subtitled.) Winner of Best European film at the 2005 Berlin Film Festival as well as the Amnesty International Film Award, this provocative movie revolves around childhood friends who volunteer to be Palestinian suicide bombers. The film, approved by the Israeli government for release in Israel, presents a human message instead of a political plea, with unforgettable edge-of-your-seat tension.

3.15pm "Grizzly Man" (Documentary, 103 min. Rated R for language.) In an enthralling and often comedic documentary, famed filmmaker Werner Herzog explores the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, a bold, reckless activist who believed he had a special bond with Alaska’s grizzly bears. In some ways his being killed by one these creatures seemed inevitable. "An astonishing portrait…brilliant." - Roger Ebert

5.15pm "Pucker Up" (Documentary, 78 min. All audiences.) Whatever happened to whistling? This funny documentary celebrates the joyous pastime, introducing us to passionate pucksters who journey from all over to vie for the gold in tiny Louisburg, North Carolina, in the 31st annual International Whistling Competition. "Spellbound" meets "Best In Show"! Pre-Release Screening.

7.45pm "Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Charm and Dance School" (Romantic Drama,103 min. Not yet rated; mature content.)Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty") stars as a lonely widower whose fate changes when he happens upon the charm and dance of Marilyn Hotchkiss (Mary Steenburgen). Also stars John Goodman. "An elegaic journey to a sweeter, more civilized place in the heart." - The Hollywood Reporter. Pre-release Screening.

10pm "Be Here to Love Me" (Documentary, 99 min. Unrated; mature content.) A heartfelt examination of the life of troubled troubadour Townes Van Zandt, with footage and friends telling his story with style and energy. Van Zandt spent a lifetime living as an outsider, and his extraordinary musical expression of love and loneliness made him the 'songwriter's songwriter.' Standout testimonials include Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, Kris Kristoferson, Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris. Pre-Release Screening.

Sunday, October 16 main theatre film lineup:
10.15am "Travelers and Magicians" (Adventure, 108 min. All audiences. In Dzongkha, subtitled.) Director & Rimpoche Khyentse Norbu combines breathtaking Himalayan beauty, non-professional performers and refreshing storytelling to relate the story of a young man from a tiny village who yearns to visit America. Along his journey, he meets a Buddhist monk whose wisdom may change his perception of the world. The first film ever made in Bhutan.

12.45pm "Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" (Documentary, 83 min. All audiences.) A extraordinarily heartwarming film is the true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red-and-green parrots. The emotional intensity of this former San Franciscan street musician with the birds is unutterably charming.

3pm "The Greatest Good" (Documentary, 60 min. All audiences.) The fascinating story behind Milford's own Gifford Pinchot, the Forest Service's first Chief, who actually coined the word, "conservation" here at Grey Towers. This breathtaking historical documentary takes us on a journey as compelling as it is uniquely American, unfolding how we came to use our natural heritage. "The greatest good of the greatest number in the long run," was Pinchot's herald.

5.30pm "Strangers on A Train" (Suspense Thriller, 101 min. Rated PG.) The master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock presents an intriguing moral choice: can one commit a stranger's murder for another and get away with it? Newly remastered, with screenplay by Raymond Chandler, this 1951 timeless treasure is a wonderful verbal combat between two men who entertain the idea of "criss-cross" homicides. Star Farley Granger is scheduled to make a rare public appearance to introduce the masterpiece.

The Free Film Salon (Sat & Sun, October 15-16) is an extraordinary lineup of new award-winning short animation and live action films. Children's animation program direct from the Tribeca Film Festival (10.30am), selected bests from the top film schools around, full-length features, Envirofest, homegrown talents, filmmaker lectures and discussions in intimate venues. Stop in anytime and take a seat. Free! Salon Hours: Saturday 10.30am-9pm. Sunday 11-4pm. The Free EnviroFest (Sun, October 16) is a day of 5 free films celebrating the natural world and its preservation - from the global sweep to the local landscape - and examining the details of our environment and the pressures which threaten it. Free! EnviroFest Hours: 10.30am-4.15pm.

Tickets for main theatre films can be purchased prior to the Festival at the BBFF office at the Upper Mill opposite the WaterWheel complex, or by calling 570.409.0909. (Cash, checks & credit cards accepted.) During the Festival, buy tickets (if available) at the Milford Theatre ticket counter. Tickets sell out fast. Individual Film Tickets: $8 in advance / $10 at the door, if still available. Saturday morning family film, "Howl's Moving Castle," is only $2.50. Schedule is subject to change; check www.BlackBearfilm.com for latest info.

Sponsors (cash or in kind donations) of the 2005 Black Bear Film Festival include: Brown Bear Sponsors ($5,000 or more): Biondo Investment Advisors, Milford Chrysler Sales, The Muir House, The Upper Mill Partnership. Polar Bear Sponsors ($2500 or more): Carmichael Productions Design & Print, Century 21 Roy B. Hull, Cliff Park Inn Restaurant & Golf Course, GardenPhotos.com, Litzenberger Family Foundation, Milford Magazine, Newton Memorial Hospital, Riversedge LP, Wilkins & Associates Real Estate. Film Bear Sponsors ($1500 or more): Susan Hines/GMAC Mortgage, Real Estate Agent Sam Kelley. Brown Bear Sponsors ($1000 or more): Bon Secours Community Hospital, Center Family Foundation/Charlene Kahn Berman, Charles Christian CPA, Community Self Storage, Dimmick Inn & Steakhouse, Flatbrook Farm, Josephine Mosher, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Pike County Commissioners & Pike County Community Planning & Human Development, Princeton Realty Management of Montague NJ, Laurence Tishler, Woodloch Pines Resort.

Captions:
Black Bear Film Festival Opening Night Film, "Brooklyn Lobster," starring Danny Aiello and Jane Curtin, follows the Gala on Oct 14th. Gold and Gala Passholders only.

Werner Herzog's amazing "Grizzly Man" screens Saturday, Oct 15 at the Black Bear Film Festival. Tickets go on sale Sept 21.

"Paradise Now" is a Suspense/Thriller about suicide bombers, in Arabic with subtitles, Oct 15, Black Bear Film Festival. For tickets, call 570.409.0909

A comedic film from the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel is the heartwarming "Ushpizin," in Hebrew with subtitles, Oct 15, Black Bear Film Festival.

Songwriter Townes Van Zandt is profiled in the rockumentary, "Be Here To Love Me," Saturday late night film, Oct 15 at the Black Bear Film Festival.

Milford's part in American conservation takes a role in "The Greatest Good,",a beautiful historical documentary screening Oct 16, Black Bear Film Festival.

Robert Carlyle stars in the Black Bear Film Festival Saturday evening film, Oct 15, "Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Charm and Dance School." www.blackbearfilm.com

Whistling takes top marks in "Pucker Up," a quirkily funny documentary, Oct 15 at the Black Bear Film Festival. Tickets on sale Sept 21.

The first film from the Himalayan country of Bhutan is a beautiful Buddhist adventure, "Travelers and Magicians," Oct 16 at the Black Bear Film Festival.

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