Pocono News Section

Film Festival Runs Through Sunday

Film Festival Runs Through Sunday - Friday, October 23, 2009 at 3:49PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Oct 23, 2009 @ 03:49pm EDT
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - The Pocono Mountains Film Festival runs through Sunday at the Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg.

Director Roland Russell remembers the first time he saw one of his films on the big screen. He said, "I said 'wow I connected with people; - that's the main thing."

His movie called "Henry's Heart" played at the first Pocono Mountains Film Festival seven years ago. He said, "I'm so thankful for it because it opened doors for me."

Now Russell is the festival president. He said, "We found that there's a huge film making community here that support films and they needed an outlet."

Local movie makers and actors will watch their films on the big screen at the Pocono Community Theater. Theater Executive Director Eric Hantson said, "It's really exciting to be part of a big event like this."

Theater managers hope people who've never come here before discover the place during the festival and want to come back again. Hantson said, "It's always good to get a new person in here because then you have a great chance that they'll return."

Hantson said visitors give a boost to the local economy. The festival founder Bridget Davis said the event gives a boost to local film makers. She explained, "It's just important for me for people to have people have opportunities."

The festival expects to welcome some big name guests Saturday night. Organizers say Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson will be there along with his friends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

For the festival website click .