Black Bear Film Festival Salon Locations and Schedule
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
LOCATION: Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
110 West Catharine Street, Milford PA
10:00am - Not Even Nominated by John DiLeo
Author, film historian, and longtime BBFF veteran John DiLeo is back with a new book and an accompanying Salon program. Not Even Nominated: 40 Overlooked Costars of Oscar-Winning Performances, DiLeo’s eighth book, puts the spotlight on neglected acting achievements in otherwise celebrated movies. As you enjoy choice film clips, take this alternative ride through Oscar history, from Edward G. Robinson in Key Largo to Glenn Close in Reversal Of Fortune, performances deprived of Oscar nominations while their costars went home with gold. After the presentation, signed copies of John’s book will be available for purchase.
11:30am - Short Film Collection
Fragmented (15:59)
Directed by T.L. Quach
In an Asian American family, a devoted wife cares for her frail husband in the late stage of dementia. As she recalls hard and happy times during their marriage, she is reminded of why she perseveres and finds hope in their enduring love.
Love and Near Death (27:17)
Directed by Jay Stern
When a thwarted romantic has a near-death experience, she encounters her soulmate in the afterlife.
King Ed (22.38)
Directed by Nick Fascitelli
A wounded romantic hunts for the author of a mysterious, “perfect” playlist he believes was made by his soulmate. But only because a medically licensed witch told him so.
Lorica (14:23)
Directed by Benjamin Carlucci
A young priest is confronted with the horrific abuse perpetrated by a mentor.
SKIN (7:06)
Directed by Leo Behrens
SKIN is a poetic exploration of identity and self-discovery, using visual symbolism to depict a woman's transformation into a man. With the help of their inner manifestation, the Ice Man, they shed their old skin and embrace their true identity.
The Trunk (7:47)
Directed by Tony Susi
A determined woman struggles to offload a large, mysterious, and suspiciously heavy trunk without attracting too much attention.
Flocky (11:58)
Directed by Esther Casas Roura
FLOCKY is an animated allegory navigating pregnancy, exploring the connection between a mother and her unborn child. Set in a melancholic and enchanting world, the film beautifully captures the essence of love, and the poignant nature of loss.
1:30pm - Short Film Segment Collection II
As Easy As Closing Your Eyes (21:43)
Directed by Parker Croft
The story of a grieving mother who battles her addiction to a black-market drug that gives her life-like dreams about the son she lost.
Emerald City (21:13)
Directed by Josef Steiff
Two young men cross paths on the back roads of the American Southwest and despite their different backgrounds, find common ground along the Border.
The Gift of Life (3:00)
Directed by Amirhossein Hatami
On her birthday night, Emily anxiously waits for her father, a military pilot who is away on a mission. Her mother tries to comfort her, but a looming truth threatens to overshadow their lives.
Method (11:16)
Directed by Nicholas James Reilly
A young actress books the role of a lifetime only to discover just how far the director is willing to go to capture reality.
Patsy (17:08)
Directed by John Valley
PATSY is about an Asian American woman in her 30s going through a divorce triggered by a traumatic miscarriage trying to find love again, and learning how to say "no."
Because I Love You (13:28)
Directed by Bob Celli
Marco and Joanna enjoy an electric marriage until Marco is witness to a series of events that lead him to suspect Joanna is having an affair with a co-worker. Starring Bob Celli (Gotham), Jennifer Plotzke (Blacklist), Dave Roberts (Blue Bloods), and Melissa Joyner (The Morning Show)
Revenge Tour (9:20)
Directed by Bryon Jones
A veteran detective and overzealous rookie investigate a series of murders and kidnappings involving film judges.
Dancing Man (23:15)
Directed by Robert Steven Mack, Clarisse Gamblin
David, a young and quixotic dancer, is confronted with the decision of whether to stay at a Midwestern ballet company with his new love interest Gabrielle, or follow a promising choreographer to New York to chase his pipe dream of dancing in Golden Age musicals.
Same As It Ever Was (7:00)
Directed by Sam Wilson
A woman is reunited with her husband for the length of one cigarette.
3:30pm - Student Film Collection
Brothers, A Civil War Story (19:59)
Directed by Casey Schaffer
A young Confederate soldier comes face-to-face with his Union brother on the battlefield during the Battle of the Wilderness.
Beware of Dog (14:21)
Directed by Orly Rose Lovett
The lives of two boarding school roommates descend into madness, in a hilarious horror comedy, featuring three mental patients and one elaborate scheme.
Gravy (10:50)
Directed by Hannah Burns
Gravy follows the story of Johanna, a college-aged girl whose grandmother just passed away. While cleaning out her belongings, she finds her family tomato sauce and takes it upon herself to make it.
M.A.Y.A. (12:26)
Directed by
Decrepit and curmudgeonly neuroscientist Dr. Vincent Lyndon unveils his greatest invention, a device capable of displaying one's thoughts, only for its demonstration to go horribly awry.
Live From The Geneva! (13:12)
Directed by Nick Leahy
Amidst the hysteria of the Red Scare in 1953 Chicago, a nightclub staff becomes entangled in a political scandal when their star performer's iconic red-and-gold pocket square becomes the focal point of media chaos.
An Alien Stole My Class (14:16)
Directed by Logan Cole & Alayna Thaler
No one likes Saturday detention, but nobody expected an alien to steal their class.
Eyes of a Worker (14:15)
Directed by Kelly Carlino
This animated film about a career man who meets his future wife becomes conflicted when he feels he must choose between his family and his career.
5:00 pm- Salon Feature
Last Night in the Life of Death (1hr 19 mins)
Directed by Isaiah Brody
Every night, Death comes to take care of people who move on from here to forever. Death is confronted with the possibility that there is no longer any use for his kind, he begins to understand his true fate.
7:00 pm Short Film Segment Collection III
Abstract Narrative (7:31)
Directed by Michael Sheridan
A Lehigh Valley artist uses his abstract art to express his emotion, and deal with his troubled past.
John Doe (10:22)
Directed by Rebecca Faulkenberry
When Real Estate Agent Kevin is supposed to meet his client in a park, a woman named Jenna mistakenly believes that he is her date. However, upon further discussion, they discover they share a chemistry, but When Jenna's actual date shows up, she finds herself needing to make a decision on what to do.
King Me (13:00)
Directed by Marc Acito
Two neighbors. One game. Several thoughts of homicide. A comedy about the people you love to hate--and hate to love.
Subzero (10:00)
Directed by Laleh Noureddin Mousa
Shima and fellow refugees try to illegally cross the border of Iran on foot. Smugglers inform them that due to the risk of being caught in the border area, they have to spend a few days in an abandoned factory with less than ideal conditions.
The Last Mayor of Chinatown (13:35)
Directed by Lena Chen
The Last Mayor of Chinatown tells the story of the rise, decline, and rediscovery of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown. Yuen Yee, who served as the last honorary mayor of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown. The film interweaves excerpts from Yee’s memoir with his daughter Shirley’s contemporary commentary to show his instrumental role in supporting newly arrived immigrants.
LOCATION: Pike County Library
119 E. Harford Street, Milford PA
12:00 pm - Nature Appreciation Film Collection
Bold North (23m)
Directed by Benji Inniger
A short documentary exploring the wilds of Minnesota through the seasons. Accompanied by an original orchestral score, this film accentuates the magnificence of the wildlife and landscapes that can be found in the Star of The North.
MEVO: From Farm To Feast (9m)
Directed by Bryan Huth
The youth-led farmers of MEVO take us on a tour of the land and the importance of reaching your local community by hosting an annual farm-to-table gala.
Hive Mind (3m)
Directed by Jonathan Walley
Filmed in Delco, PA. Beehives have remained unchanged for years, but two Pennsylvania beekeepers are about to change that. George and Nat are on a mission to make Beekeeping more accessible and create a better way to manage hives.
Mussel Matters (19m)
Directed by Lea Rodbarry, Jonathan Mullen
In the rivers that flow through our neighborhoods lives an unseen but important creature: the freshwater mussel. This film explores the balance between supporting our modern lifestyle and preserving our natural heritage.
Saving Monarchs (20m)
Directed by Kana Rosemarie Hutchens
Replicating how nature intended is a complex challenge that can have negative consequences.
Birdfeeder (12m)
Directed by Daniel Feighery
The birds outside a Brooklyn window help a man heal as the world turns upside down. When a family of birds moves in on his fire escape, they bring hope for a new beginning.
Freedom Flier (9:51)
Directed by Cami Armendariz
A biopic that chronicles JC's lifelong passion for pigeons, showcasing how his love for these remarkable birds developed and continues to flourish. The film draws a poignant parallel between JC's family's escape from Cuba on the Johnson Freedom Flights and his enduring affection for these extraordinary flying creatures.
Chain (4:49)
Directed by Ling Han
"Chain," directed by Ling Han, is a 3D animated short film featuring charming characters and a sophisticated environment. It uniquely tells the story of the mantis catching the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
LOCATION: TriVersity - The Pride Center
201 W. Harford Street, Milford PA
11:00am Short Film Block
Emerald City (21:13)
Directed by Josef Steiff
Two young men cross paths on the back roads of the American Southwest and despite their different backgrounds, find common ground along the Border.
Trans Heaven, Pennsylvania (12:00)
In the 1970s and 1980s, the small Pennsylvania town of New Hope was among a few safe havens outside of major cities for gay men to find community. Over 30 years later, the town’s legacy remained, but now for a different community: transgender women.
Red Rose Aroma (15:00)
Directed by Aurel Naqi
When Era travels to the beautiful Albanian Riviera in search of adventure, she quickly develops a connection to Fiori, an ambitious, local florist. Things take an unexpected turn when months later, Fiori makes a surprise visit to see Era.
Tabloid (17:00)
Directed by Christopher Dowan
Celebrity model Clair has become the latest pop culture gossip: photos have been released of her having an affair with a woman, and everyone wants to know by who. We follow Clair on that chaotic night, one that highlights the difficult journey towards self-acceptance.
Bounty (12:49)
Directed by Hope Dougherty
Bounty hunters Rosa and Claudine have finally tracked their bounty, Victor, to his final location. As they are making the choice of taking him in hot or cold, they learn Victor knows something they don't and it will change the course of their lives.
In Passing (10:23)
Directed by Hillia Aho
Rey is a sous chef in a fast-paced New York City restaurant and her long-term partner, Elle, works from home as a painter. As Rey grows more overworked and overtired, she begins to fixate on the work-imbalance between them, and the strength of their relationship is thrown into question.
Slaycation (14:58)
Nine drag queens are invited to a remote island mansion on the promise of fame and fortune.
Lines of a Woman (15:00) mature
Directed by Melissa Gagliardi
Trauma therapist crosses paths with new patients every day, but the line between therapist and patient begins to blur when she gets a call from a college student living in her car.
Second Thought (7:00) mature
Directed by Chris Stanley
The film explores the nuances of modern gay dating and highlights the diverse experiences within our community. It's about encouraging deeper connections and understanding that romance can be more fulfilling when it’s not rushed.
LOCATION: Grey Towers National Historic Site
151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford, PA
Pool Pavilion
11:00 am - The Lorax (1:26m)
Animation
Twelve-year-old Ted will do anything to find a real live Truffula Tree in order to impress the girl of his dreams. As he embarks on his journey, Ted discovers the incredible story of the Lorax, a grumpy but charming creature who speaks for the trees. Featuring the voice talents of Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Betty White.
Use this opportunity to also visit Gifford Pinchot’s beloved trees at Grey Towers!
2:00pm - Planet Earth, As You’ve Never Seen It Before (2hrs)
Nature Series Narrated by David Attenborough
This stunning cinematic experience captures rare action, impossible locations and intimate moments with our planet’s wildest and most elusive creatures. From the highest mountains to the deepest rivers, Planet Earth takes you to places you’ve never been to experience sights and sounds never before captured on film.
LOCATION: The Columns Museum
608 Broad Street, Milford, PA
Visit the Columns Museum from 11:00am - 2:00pm for film screenings and festival related exhibits. After the documentary, Salmon Secrets, things get really fishy with a marathon of Science Fiction Creature Feature films from the 1950’s that showcase some of the classic monsters of the deep!
Exhibit: The Lenape, original People, Reconciling The Past, Embracing The Future
Visit the exhibit featured in our Opening Night Film, Burying The Hatchet: The Tom Quick Story.
Exhibit: The museum also features a collection of antique fishing lures, all retrieved from the depths and banks of the Delaware River, with antique rods, reels and tackle from the Bob Hartman Collection.
12:00pm - Salmon Secrets (40m)
Documentary
Directed by Jeremy Mathieu
An investigation to understand the impacts of the fish farms industry on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
1:00pm - The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1hr 20m)
A prehistoric sea beast leads a path of destruction across eastern North America. (The beast is rumored to be the inspiration for Godzilla)
2;30pm - Attack of The Crab Monsters (69m)
A Roger Corman Classic! Radioactive crabs make life for some nosy scientists difficult.