Providing a Forum for Local Filmmakers
Every area has its hidden little gem. Our little gem is the Pocono Mountains Film Festival. Yes, folks, we have our very own film festival. The Pocono Mountains Film Festival has been in operation since 2003 when founder Bridget Davis—author, filmmaker and two time cancer survivor—first conceived the idea. It began as a small organization that aimed to promote local area filmmakers and to give them a forum to showcase their work and draw an audience. Since 2003, the Pocono Mountains Film Festival (PMFF) has expanded to incredible lengths.
“The PMFF is such a great tool for young filmmakers,” said local actor Ryan Castro. “Not only does it give us a chance to showcase our hard work, but it also gives us the opportunity to make valuable connections for future projects.” Castro had the starring role in a film shown at the PMFF.
Since its creation in 2003, more than 600 films have been submitted the film festival. Films range from dramatic short films to comedic feature length films to intriguing documentaries. Local Pocono filmmakers are invited to attend a three-day festival at a different location each year. During the festival, all films are screened to broad audiences, followed by a question and answer session with the filmmakers themselves. Workshops are held with industry pros in the fields of screenwriting, directing and promotional media.
On the third day of the film festival, a banquet is held in honor of all the filmmakers involved. Films are nominated in various categories and the awards are presented to the respective filmmakers. The PMFF, in conjunction with the Pocono Community Theatre, has an arranged deal to show the winning films on a monthly basis at our local theatre in East Stroudsburg.
The PMFF is associated with various celebrities, inviting them to join the festivities and to watch the submitted films. This year’s celebrities included Jessica Biel (“7th Heaven”, “The A-Team”) and Joe Jackson, father of the late Michael Jackson. Past celebrities include Billy Dee Williams (“Star Wars”), Jack Palance (“City Slickers”) and David Saperstein (writer of “Cocoon”). Pretty big names, right? Who would have thought that a film festival held in the Poconos could draw such Hollywood names?
And the best part about the PMFF?
It’s all happening right here in the Poconos. Right under your nose, the PMFF is bringing culture, art and celebrities to our little evergreen community. Its goal of giving local filmmakers a forum for their work has been accomplished. This past year, filmmakers from around the country submitted their work to the PMFF in order to bring more culture and diversity to the Pocono Region.
Multiple films were recognized as a breath of fresh air to our area for supplying enriching creativity and imagination to our local filmmakers.
“The PMFF helps me, as a filmmaker, by getting my films seen by an audience”, said Michael Sherry, Brodheadsville resident and local filmmaker. “The feedback you get from an audience is really important, and you can learn what they like and what they don't like. The PMFF allows you to interact with your audience on a more personal and intimate way.”
Sherry is one of three owners of a local film production team that entered two films into the PMFF. Hollow Tree Films, a limited liability company based in the Pocono region, entered their short horror film “In the Dark” and their feature length drama “The Road Home.” “In the Dark” won the award for Best Short and “The Road Home” was nominated for best feature length film and best screenplay. To see the trailer for “The Road Home”, click here.
Kyra Uniejewski, assistant editor of “The Road Home”, reflects on the festival. “The PMFF helps the local film makers of the Poconos actually meet and see each other’s work. Here in this neck of the woods you feel like you're the only one making a film until you meet people that are just half an hour away.”
The PMFF is currently accepting films in preparation for next year’s festival. Founder Bridget Davis expects the festival to be held in October at the Pocono Community Theater. Attendance is cheap, and there’s an entire three-day celebration of independent filmmaking, now on a local and nationwide level. This little gem of the Poconos invites the community to feast on engaging films and help sponsor our local art scene. Because, hey, filmmaking is a type of art.
“Festivals in general are a great way to tell and share your stories. Even with all the technology and equipment it takes to make a film,” Uniejewski continues, “it’s about the human connection between the film makers and the audience.”
The Pocono Mountains Film Festival knows exactly what she means.
For more information on the Pocono Mountains Film Festival, contact them at 570-619-4101, send them an e-mail, or visit their website. To find out more about the Pocono Community Theater or Hollow Tree Films, visit their websitse.
Brandon Taylor, from McAdoo Pa., is a senior at East Stroudsburg University majoring in English. In the spirit of full disclosure: Taylor is part-owner of Hollow Tree Films LLC (mentioned above), where he works as a screenwriter and an occasional photo editor. He also maintains and manages the company’s website. Taylor has attended the Pocono Mountains Film Festival twice and plans to continue the yearly tradition.
