So, Montreal was a tough, cold, little vacation, and Erin and I were in need of some true recreation. We didn't think it would happen at the small festival in Milford, PA, but we truly had a great, relaxing, if not entirely surprising time. Throw any superlative out there, and Black Bear could be described as such.
I think a lot had to do with meeting Trevor Morgan, one of the stars of James Ponsoldt's film, OFF THE BLACK (www.offtheblack.blogspot.com). James is a near and dear friend, who's made a beautiful film premiering in New York on December 1st. GO SEE IT!!! It stars Nick Nolte and Trevor Morgan, and was a hit at Sundance this year.
Anyway, we knew Trevor was going to be there, and James had told us all to try and find each other. Seeing as the Black Bear Film Festival area stretched for about two blocks it didn't take long to pick Trevor out of the crowd, bombard him with questions, and make a plan to go the VIP party later that night.
Then we screened along a group of films from SVA, Temple, and NYU. We were in the good company of other Columbia films as well, and without being biased (which might be impossible) Columbia definitely stood out of the bunch. I was the only Columbia filmmaker there, so I gave quite an extensive Q&A after CIVIL WAR screened, and the audience was really receptive, and Grace Woodward, director of the Salon at the festival, spoke really highly of the film and the Columbia program, and got me talking about lots of things; casting, locations, script, ideas, upcoming projects, etc. Grace was an amazing host, and Erin and I were thrilled with our little hotel room, and the hospitality tent. And don't forget those free t-shirts!
When it came time to go to the party, we picked up Trevor, who immediately told us some amazing stories about local Milford girls, and his screening and Q&A for the film LOCAL COLOR. Trevor is a born performer, hysterical, and was absolutely the toast of the festival. When we walked into this VIP party, all eyes were on him, and it didn't take long to figure out why--it was a room full of men, who thought Trevor was the PYT of the evening. Now how do I describe this party, and this house?
Info about the house:
The Greek Revival style Dutch Reform Church was built in 1850. Its wooden colossal temple front with four heavy fluted columns mimics the stone architecture of ancient Greece. It was converted to a residence in 1957 and has been home to antiques dealer Doug Cosh since 1972. He has leased the property since 1986. Earlier, he operated his antiques business out of a structure at the nearby crossroads of Route 209 and Route 739 before losing it to a tragic truck accident and fire. As if rising from those ashes, he named his new business, in the slate-roofed carriage house, Phoenix. The shop features southwestern crafts.
In almost every aspect of his work Mr. Cosh chose to repair, rather than replace, as recommended by the Secretary's Standards. In the case of interior finishes, he opted for a decorative color scheme which complements the crafts items on display, creating a true "feast" for the eyes.
And when they say, "feast for the eyes," they are not kidding. Every single inch of this house is covered in decoration, faux marble, swordfish, mermaids, bear rugs, etc.
As Trevor said, it was like something out of a David Lynch movie--almost indescribable. There was great food, and open bar, and a myriad of hysterical people to keep us entertained. It was a time, that's for sure.
