Who We Are
Our Mission Statement
The Black Bear Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading joy and building community through film. We are based in Milford, Pennsylvania and aim to entertain, educate and inspire our region with great indie film events which include screenings, salons and workshops.
We endeavor to:
Find and feature exceptional independent films the public will enjoy.
Celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking with varied events.
Build sound, mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses.
Partner with schools to inspire students to become filmmakers and aficionados of film.
Enliven the culture and economy of our local community and region.
“The Black Bear Film Festival is a cultural anchor for Milford and the entire region. It involves everyone from school children to seniors and supports our local economy. A true win-win-win!”
— Sean Strub, Mayor of Milford
Our History
The Black Bear Film Festival was started in Milford in 2000 by well-know casting director, Jerry Beaver, with the help from 10 of his close friends, including Dave Chant of Davis R. Chant Realtors and Sean Strub, mayor of Milford. The festival now attracts 2,000-3,000 people each year to our charming and artsy town.
In 2011, Jerry bought the Historic Milford Theater with his business partner, Dru Whitaker. The theater, with its classic art deco stage, was built c.1910-1920 by Thomas Pitney as a silent movie house, and it also hosted vaudeville acts.
The Milford Theater has been the home of the Black Bear Film Festival since Jerry and Dru bought the Milford Theater in “as is” condition from Joe Farruggio, who had bought it in 1978. For the first 9 years of the festival, the Black Bear Film Festival rented the Milford Theater space, and for two years (when the theater was being renovated), festival films were screened at Delaware High School.
The Milford Theater was bought in 2021 by Milford businessman, Bill Rosado, who gave it a complete renovation and it has remained the home of The Black Bear Film Festival.
Why Milford?
Milford has a rich film history, dating back to the 1910’s, when film producers were so enchanted with Milford, that they flocked here to use it as a backdrop for their silent films. Film director D.W. Griffith made almost three movies a week from 1908-1913, with stars like Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and Lionel Barrymore, and innovated new techniques like closeups, cross-cutting and deep focus.
Milford has been a weekend tourist destination for the NYC elite, and a haven for film stars and celebrities since the early 1900’s. It’s an artsy and culturally rich town with music, art, dance and writing festivals each year. The Black Bear Film Festival is a natural and a significant addition to this.
Our Logo
The branding of BBFF received a major overhaul on the 16th anniversary, giving it a new, fresh look that appeals to the broader audience.
The redesign of the logo and letterhead was pioneered by husband and wife Charu and Sanjay Bakshi and former Black Bear graphic designer, Carly Workstel.