Black Bear Film Festival Announces New Board of Directors, Calls Bears Out of Hibernation
Milford, PA. (September 12, 2011) – The Black Bear Film Festival has announced a new Board of Directors who are busy at work planning this year’s festival, which will be held at the Milford Theatre from October 14 through 16, 2011.
The 12th Annual Black Bear Film Festival has returned to its home at the historic Milford Theatre, which is celebrating its centennial, under the direction of its founder Jerry Beaver and a new Board of Directors. In celebration of its twelfth anniversary, organizers are hoping to line Hartford and Broad Streets with an eclectic parade of Bears from the past, and are asking the community to get involved.
“We need help in two areas—finding the Bears and hosting the Bears,” explained board member and fundraising chair, Adriane Wendell. “If you, or someone you know, own a Black Bear from the past, we would like to borrow it. Bears should be in good condition and capable of withstanding the elements for several weeks.” Additionally local businesses that are willing to host a Bear at their location are urged to contact Adriane at info@harringtonhousemilford.com or 570-296-2661.
The new Board of Directors is made up of members of the community with a passion for the arts, film and community. They include:
- Founding President, Jerry Beaver – A native Pennsylvanian born in Gettysburg and raised in Harrisburg, who attended the Mercersburg Academy, Jerry has lived in Pike County for 29 years. A casting director for film, theatre and TV commercials; his firm has been active in Manhattan for 25 years where he is known for discovering many now-famous actors. Jerry founded the Black Bear Film Festival in 2000 and purchased the Historic Milford Theatre lives in Shohola, Pa.
- Vice President, Shirley Masou – Raised in Oregon, Shirley traveled with her family to Japan in the early sixties and seventies. She danced professionally with the Tokyo Ballet Theater until the age of 17, when she began work as an interpreter, coordinator and reporter for the Tokyo Broadcasting System. She has lived in Pennsylvania with her husband, a guitarist and producer, for over 20 years. Together they own the Sunshine Ave. record label.
- Secretary, Timothy Morell – Born and raised in the mountains of East Tennessee (Dolly Parton-land), Timothy descends from early colonists who settled the area in 1783. “Timorell”—as he is known by family and friends—was a singer for many years in Nashville, before traveling the world as a performer on multiple cruise lines. Moving to NYC in the early ’90s Timorell began a career in finance and works with top Wall Street investment firms around Business Transformation and Process Improvement. Timorell and his partner Mark Silverstone moved to the area in 2009 after a day trip to Northeast Pennsylvania.
- Treasurer, DeJay Branch: Singer, Dancer, Actor, Acrobat, DeJay is a local performer and regional advocate for preservation and eco- development. Making a difference thought the arts and entertainment is a goal. He has performed around the world as well as in commercial print, television and film, which has provided the knowledge and experience to successfully handle events such as Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Digit Film Festival, 2010 Lackawaxen River Sojourn and River of the Year, 2009-11 Delaware River and 2011 River of the Year to name a few.
The board also includes Adriane Wendell, David Wineberg, John Bartell, Justin Riddle, Michael Buchanan, Peter Salgado, Ricky Boscarino and Troy Bystrom.
The Black Bear Film Festival relies on community support, including monetary donations and sponsorships, donations of goods and services, as well as a huge number of volunteers with a wide range of talents. Sponsorship comes with a variety of benefits for every budget. For more information please visit www.blackbearfilm.com.
About Black Bear Film Festival:
The not-for-profit Black Bear Film Festival (BBFF) was born in Milford, PA. in 2000 when a small group of culturally-minded creative types set about creating an event to support and promote innovative, independent films. It celebrates Milford’s rich filmmaking heritage and the conservation movement in tribute to Gifford Pinchot, “father of the American conservation movement”. Zane Grey, D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish and John Barrymore are just a few of the legends who graced Milford’s alleys long before us.
The BBFF packed the town and sold out every show the first year, and has continued to thrive for more than a decade, featuring engaging movies, fantastic parties, a free film salon and more. Today BBFF is has returned to its home in the historic, refurbished Milford Theatre, under new leadership, and continues to support innovative and independent films, artistic expression, education, diversity, and cultural enhancement, while promoting the region’s clean air and water, abundant wildlife, natural beauty and the entities that protect them. It also recognizes the area’s history as the birthplace of the American conservation movement and as a popular filmmaking location. For more information, please visit www.blackbearfilm.com or “like” us on Facebook.
