2020 LINEUP
In Person September 24 – 26
Online September 24 – October 4
in Sullivan County, NY
This year, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance will expand the Big Eddy Film Festival (BEFF) beyond the movie theater for one-of-a-kind experiences, both outdoors and online. Central themes of the films being presented include untold female stories and the intersection of politics and music. Screenings will take place at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Terrace Stage, the Big Eddy Film Festival’s online streaming platform, and at a pop-up drive-in outside Narrowsburg.
WORLD PREMIERES AT BETHEL WOODS
The BEFF opens on Friday, September 25 with the world premiere theatrical screening of JIMMY CARTER ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. The film chronicles the relationship that music played in Carter’s early life, his campaign for the White House, and his term as the 39th President of the United States (1977 – 1981). Particularly relevant in this election year, director Mary Wharton traces how Carter’s genuine approachability became key to his political appeal, and allowed him to connect with voters. His embrace of music, particularly that of Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers, and Willie Nelson, helped the peanut farmer from small-town Georgia reach out across racial and generational divides. The film, which was slated to open the Tribeca Film Festival in April (which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic), has been picked up for distribution by CNN Films.
The festival continues at Bethel Woods on Saturday, September 26 with the world premiere theatrical screening of the new drama GOSSAMER FOLDS, a coming of age story set in 1980s Missouri. Ten-year-old Tate (Jackson Robert Scott, ‘It’) defies his transphobic father and develops a strong bond with his transgender neighbor Gossamer (Alexandra Grey, “Empire,” “Transparent”) and her father, a retired English professor who is still processing his child’s identity. The film’s creative team includes queer director, Lisa Donato; transgender cinematographer, Ava Benjamin Shorr; cisgender producer, Yeardley Smith (the voice of Lisa Simpson, and an LGBTQ+ ally); and transgender actor, Alexandra Grey. The Advocate says “It’s a nuanced exploration of childhood, identity, friendship, and family dynamics, especially the formation of found families. Its characters are multilayered, imperfect, and evolving.”
POP-UP DRIVE-IN EVENT
Grease is the word on Thursday, September 24!! An exclusive event for BEFF Superstar Passholders, the Big Eddy will host a film in the field screening of the musical phenomenon GREASE (1978) starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. It’s California 1959; greaser Danny Zuko and wholesome exchange student Sandy Olsson are in love. But when the summer ends and school begins, things get complicated. Pop the tailgate and cozy up under a blanket, or bring lawn chairs to sit around a personal campfire in the field. Bring your own brown bag dinner, or enjoy snacks and beverages from our concession stand. Individual tickets are not available to this event.
VIRTUAL FESTIVAL,
SEPTEMBER 24 – OCTOBER 4
“For our extended 10-day virtual festival, we’ve curated a lineup of new documentaries relevant to today’s world that will be available on our new streaming platform starting September 24,” says festival director Tina Spangler. Cozy up at home for there fascinating nonfiction stories exploring a spectrum of women’s experiences, and then join us online for hosted conversations with the makers. Meet a police chief actively reforming her department, an artist creating tools to demystify the female libido, and the first Mrs. Johnny Cash, whose long overdue story is told by her daughters.
Tickets and Passes
Tickets are available to individual films, for both physical screenings and online films. Big Eddy Film Festival Superstar Passes include admission to 3 nights of outdoor screenings, plus a panel discussion at Bethel Woods, and a 2020 BEFF sweatshirt. (Note: online screenings are not included in the pass).
For more details, visit BigEddyFilmFest.com or call DVAA 845-252-7576.