The Black Bear Film Festival

Mission Statement:
Support of innovative and independent films, artistic expression, education, diversity, and cultural enhancement... promotion of the region’s clean air and water, abundant wildlife, natural beauty and the entities that protect them... Recognition of the area’s history as the birthplace of the American conservation movement and as a popular filmmaking location...

History:
Early in the year 2000, an extraordinary group of culturally minded, die-hard creative types huddled around a smoldering fire in an attempt to survive the frightful February freeze. Actually, the bit about the creative types is true but it really took place in a cozy tavern (by the fire) over a bottle of wine and some buffalo burgers. The scene was Milford, Pennsylvania, a mountainside Mecca for cutting-edge professionals and vacationers alike, on the Delaware River only an hour and a half northwest of New York City. And the idea hatched on that frigid February afternoon was a film festival. The Black Bear Film Festival. Their mission: To support and promote innovative, independent films.

Not only are the movies engaging, the parties wonderful and the entire weekend a smash hit, with many free events and films in addition to the ticketed main features, the nurturing effects of this event have been much more far-reaching. The creative nature of the subject matter, together with the team effort required to pull it off, have propelled the entire community into a much deeper and heartfelt commitment to the artistic integrity of this area we call home. Educational programs, ecological and historic preservation efforts, additional film venues during the festival and throughout the year, are just a few of the ways in which the Black Bear Film Festival has continued to promote the cultural enhancement of this beautiful pristine region.