The 11th Annual Black Bear Film Festival - Columbus Day Weekend -- October 8, 9, & 10 - In Milford, Pike County, PA. Features The Highly Acclaimed Film "Jack Goes Boating." Activities For All Ages!

MILFORD, PA, September 27, 2010 (Press-News.org) The 11th Annual Black Bear Film Festival will be held on Columbus Day weekend, October 8-10, with movies, local attractions, silent auction, music, food and entertainment for the entire family.

"There's something for everyone," says Nancy Pitcher, Festival Coordinator. "We have children's movies, full-length independent films, documentaries, foreign films in our main auditorium, as well as short films by students and new filmmakers and lectures in our always-edgy Film Salon. EnviroFest 2010 (held at Grey Towers National Historic Site), features free environmentally themed films and lectures."

The Festival kicks off on Friday with an opening night gala dinner at The Tom Quick Inn, honoring dance legend Marge Champion (unlimited buffet and open bar). She will also appear on the Main Theatre Stage Saturday afternoon for interviews and to show her new documentary and clips of her famous dances.

Saturday night's feature is the critically acclaimed film "Jack Goes Boating," starring Academy Award Winner Philip Seymour Hoffman in his directorial debut, Academy Award nominee Amy Ryan, John Ortiz and Daphne Rubin-Vega. It is a poignant tale of love, friendship and betrayal, seen through the eyes of two New York City couples. The much-anticipated film was produced by Peter Saraf, Emily Ziff and Milford native, Beth O'Neil. "This film has a big heart," says O'Neil. "It's an honest portrayal of two working-class New York City couples - one couple is taking a chance on love and the other's love is being tested and pushed to the limit. I am very proud to bring JACK home to Milford, and very happy to support the Black Bear Film Festival."

Purchase Gold Pass and Gala Tickets at the Festival office at The Upper Mill (Route 2001), or by calling 570.409.0909. Individual film tickets will be on sale starting Sept. 23. Tickets will also be sold at the main venue (Delaware Valley High School) ticket counter. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (credit cards are not accepted at the High School). The Festival was the brainchild of Dave Chant of Davis R. Chant Realtors and Sean Strub, an owner of the Hotel Fauchere. Visit blackbearfilm.com for more information.

Other events in the area include the Smoke, Ice & Brew Festival - a BBQ/Beer Tasting fundraiser to be held outside the Milford Theater Sat/Sun, noon to 6pm (rain or shine). Enjoy tasty fare from the Little Creek Bar-B-Cue Company and super-premium regional beers. Interactive and creative ice activities, too. The Milford Lions Club Crafts Fair will also be held on Sat/Sun, at Ann Street Memorial Park in downtown Milford.

Background
Nestled among the scenic vistas of Pike County, Milford comprises a 5-block cultural Mecca that attracts arts enthusiasts, weekend travelers, families and second home buyers. Each year, the town hosts the annual Black Bear Film Festival, drawing thousands of attendees to its venue from around the globe. Ornate Painted Bear sculptures are on display around the town until the start of the Festival. It is home to historic sites, galleries, eclectic shops, charming inns, outdoor recreation and awe-inspiring rustic beauty. Visitors are soon captivated by its quaint vibe and Victorian charm. Milford is included on the list of "cool towns" by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine and "prettiest counties" by Atlantic Magazine. Just 75 miles from NYC, Milford is adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area - one of the most popular travel destinations in America.