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Feature Films:
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Feature Documentaries:
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Feature Animation:
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EnviroFest Films:
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Opening Night Film:
"Brooklyn Lobster" (Drama, 90 min. Not Yet Rated; mature language. 2005)
Sneak Peek prior to premiere! Director Kevin Jordan's new film stars the magnetically watchable Oscar-nominee Danny Aiello ("Do The Right Thing") as an aging patriarch trying to maintain his Brooklyn pride when the bank holding the small business loan for his lobster farm forecloses. Based on Jordan's actual family business (Jordan's Lobster Dock in Brooklyn), this bittersweet film touches the heart. Also stars a formidable and funny Jane Curtin as Aiello's wife. A Martin Scorsese presentation. Gold & Gala Passholders only.
Director Kevin Jordan and producer Darren Jordan, and the Jordan family, were in attendance at the screening and discussed the film after the show.
(9pm, Fri, Oct 14, Milford Theatre)
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"Howl's Moving Castle" ("Hauru no ugoku shiro") (Animation/Fantasy/Romance, 119 min. Rated PG; frightening images/mild language. Japanese; English dubbed. 2004)
The world's premier animator, Academy Award-winning director 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 eye-dazzling artistry is greatly empowering to children, especially girls. The Disney/Pixar cast of voice characters includes Billy Crystal as a demon and Lauren Bacall as the witch.
(9am, Sat, Oct 15, Milford Theatre)
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"Ushpizin" (Comedy -Drama, 90 min, Rated PG; mild thematic elements. In Hebrew, subtitled. 2004)
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, this uplifting movie delights with rich emotional tones and universal themes of humor, family and honor. Pre-release USA Screening.
(11.15am, Sat, Oct 15, Milford Theatre)
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"Paradise Now" (Suspense/Thriller, 90 min. Rated PG-13; mature themes & language. In Arabic, subtitled. 2005)
Winner, Best European film at the 2005 Berlin Film Festival and the Amnesty International Film Award, this provocative movie revolves around childhood friends who volunteer to be Palestinian suicide bombers, providing an inside view of their motivations, logistics and perils. This Arabic 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.
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"Grizzly Man" (Documentary, 103 min. Rated R; mature language. 2005)
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. Herzog compiles hundreds of hours of video footage Treadwell produced and finds an enigmatic man whose identity will be forever linked to the bears he loved and protected. In some ways his being killed by one these creatures seemed inevitable. "An astonishing portrait…brilliant." - Roger Ebert
(3.15, Sat, Oct 15, Milford Theatre)
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"Pucker Up" (Documentary, 78 min. Unrated; general audiences. 2005)
Whatever happened to whistling? This quirky documentary celebrates the joyous pastime, introducing us to passionate pucksters - kids, older folks, guys in bow-ties, women and teenagers - who journey from all over to vie for the gold in tiny Louisburg, North Carolina, in the 31st annual International Whistling Competition. With rural-town charm, "Spellbound" meets "Best In Show" in a funny study of competitive hobbies and simple pleasures.
(5.15pm, Sat, Oct 15, Milford Theatre)
Directors Kate Davis and David Heilbroner, along with International Whistling Champion & 3-TIME International Whistling Entertainer Of The Year Steve Herbst were in attendance at the screening, and discussed the film afterwards, complete with several gorgeous whistling renditions by Steve Herbst.
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"Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Charm and Dance School" (Romantic Drama,103 min. Rated PG-13; mature situations. 2005)
From director Randall Miller ("thirtysomething," "Northern Exposure") comes a lovely film starring Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty") as a lonely widower whose fate changes when he happens upon the charm and dance of Marilyn Hotchkiss (Mary Steenburgen), who teaches him the steps and the style to a new lease on life. Fellow classmate Marisa Tomei delights all with her mesmerizing dance floor moves. Also starring John Goodman and cameo by Danny DeVito. "An elegaic journey to a sweeter, more civilized place in the heart." - The Hollywood Reporter. Pre-release Screening.
(7.45pm, Sat, Oct 15, (Milford Theatre)
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"Be Here to Love Me" (Documentary, 99 min. Unrated; mature language/drug references. 2004)
In a heartfelt examination of the life of singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt, director Margaret Brown allows footage and friends to tell his story with style and energy. Born into privilege, drawn to wander, 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. Like his songs, the film is sad, haunting and exquisite, brutally true to the troubled troubadour.
(10pm, Sat, Oct 15, Milford Theatre)
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"Travelers and Magicians" (Adventure, 108 min. Unrated; general audiences. In Dzongkha with subtitles. 2003)
Director Khyentse Norbu is a venerated holy man in his native Bhutan, addressed as 'Rimpoche,' or precious teacher. Combining breathtaking Himalayan landscape beauty, non-professional performers and refreshing storytelling, the film relates the story of a young man from a tiny remote village who yearns to visit America, pursuing the greener grass we all dream of. Along his journey, he meets a Buddhist monk whose wisdom may change his perception of the world. The first film ever made in Bhutan.
(10.15am, Sun, Oct 16, Milford Theatre)
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"Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" (Documentary, 83 min. Unrated; general audiences. 2004)
A heartwarming film by Judy Irving is the true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red-and-green parrots. Mark Bittner, a former San Francisco street musician, falls in with the flock as he searches for meaning in his life, unaware that the wild birds will bring him everything he needs. "It is the emotional intensity of Bittner's experiences with parrots, experiences so strong and moving that he himself wonders, 'How do you get so attached to an animal?' that form one of the keys to the appeal." - Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times.
(12.45pm, Sun, Oct 16, Milford Theatre)
Director Judy Irving was in attendance at the screening and discussed the making of the filmand take questions from the audience.
The new DVD, with extra footage, of this wonderful film, is available in December; orders can be placed on the Pelican Media website.
Photo: Mark Bittner
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WINNER, THE BLACK BEAR FILM FESTIVAL AUDIENCE FAVORITE.
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"The Greatest Good" (Documentary, 60 min. Unrated; general audiences. 2005)
Happy 100th birthday to the Forest Service - what more fitting place to celebrate than Milford, home of Gifford Pinchot, its first Chief, who actually coined the word, "conservation." This breathtaking historical documentary by the Forest Service 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. Whether protecting endangered species or meeting the needs of a growing public, the fate of public lands is still being challenged. Renowned historians, national organizations and political activists (including Milford native Peter Pinchot, Gifford's great-grandson) help us understand the story behind American conservation.
Directors David Steinke and Steven Dunsky, editor Anne Dunsky, as well as Peter Pinchot, were in attendance at the screening for discussion and questions from the audience after the film.
(3pm, Sun, Oct 16, Milford Theatre)
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"Strangers on A Train" (Suspense Thriller/Film Noir, 101 min. Rated PG; violence & tension. 1951. B/W.)
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? With screenplay by Raymond Chandler based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, the film is a wonderful verbal combat between two men whose responsibilities drive them to entertain the idea of "criss-cross" homicides. Employing many Hitchcockian signature themes and stylistic touches, the newly re-mastered "Strangers" is a timeless treasure.
Star Farley Granger, who made over 50 films (including two with Hitchcock) made a rare public appearance to introduce the masterpiece and answered questions from the stage by film historian/author John DiLeo. A wonderful treat, indeed!
(5.30pm, Sun, Oct 16, Milford Theatre)
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| "The Naturalist" (Documentary, 30 min) + Discussion. Exploring the life of naturalist and conservation activist Kent Bonar, who has been called "the John Muir of the Ozarks."
(10.30-11.30am, EnviroFest, Sun Oct 16, Trans-Lux Theatre Tent)
Free, no tickets needed.
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| "Suzuki Speaks" (Documentary, 45 min). In a stunning visual tour de force, campaigning ecologist David Suzuki explores our connections with the four sacred elements of earth, air, fire and water.
(11.30am-12.15pm, EnviroFest, Sun Oct 16, Trans-Lux Theatre Tent)
Free, no tickets needed.
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| "Subdivide and Conquer" (Documentary, 56 min) + Discussion. Sprawl smothers 5500 acres of land a day…is it really the best way to provide families with homes? In conjunction with The Alliance to Keep Pike Green.
(12.30-2pm EnviroFest, Sun Oct 16, Trans-Lux Theatre Tent)
Free, no tickets needed.
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| "A World at Waste" (Fantasy, 32 min) A fantasy drama about the perils of our throwaway society - or perhaps it’s less of a fantasy than it appears…
(2-2.30pm, EnviroFest, Sun Oct 16, Trans-Lux Theatre Tent)
Free, no tickets needed.
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| "Life on the Delaware" (Documentary, 56 min) + Discussion. An intimate exploration of this great river from the Catskills to the Bay thru the eyes of those for whom it has special meaning.
(2.45-4.15pm EnviroFest, Sun Oct 16, Trans-Lux Theatre Tent)
Free, no tickets needed.
Photo: Tom Gettings/GreenTreks Network, Inc.
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Surprise Guest! Black Bear Film Festival is delighted to announce that one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest films, Strangers on a Train (1951), has been remastered and was our Historical Film Feature on Sunday, October 16. The Black Bear Film Festival is further thrilled to say that the legendary actor and star of the film, Farley Granger (pictured below in the 1950s), made a rare personal appearance to introduce the film, which is one of his favorites, at the Festival!
Also see the Free Film & Lecture Selections in the
The Black Bear Film Festival is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
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