Films with Special Guests

After a memorable introduction at a party, aspiring songwriter Hannah (Juno Temple) falls under the spell of talented record producer Theo Ross (Simon Pegg). As they become fast friends and begin to collaborate, Hannah discovers that Theo is a schizophrenic who refuses to take his medication. As Hannah’s career begins to take off, Theo’s condition worsens, and he lashes out at friends trying to help him. Undeterred, Hannah undertakes the difficult task of helping Theo salvage his place in the unforgiving Los Angeles music industry while at the same time getting him into treatment. The numerous obstacles thrown in her way reveal the disturbing inadequacies of mental health care in America. A discussion on mental health awareness follows the film, led by Dr. Robert Laitman and producer Olga Kagan.  Panelists to be announced.

Join us for this exciting event celebrating the culmination of Bedford’s Rev Up 250 Student Video Contest, where students in grades 8-12 were challenged to create short videos reflecting on America 250 years after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. The evening will feature winning student films and a dynamic panel discussion with a distinguished panel of highly accomplished and engaging speakers exploring the student filmmakers’ themes and ideas designed to inspire youth civic engagement and spark meaningful conversations about values, community, and how America has evolved over the past 250 years. A special thank you to the Life Stories team for reviewing submissions and selecting the outstanding young filmmakers who will be featured and awarded Rev Up Scholarship prizes generously provided by coalition members.

Known worldwide for his groundbreaking, Tony Award–winning choreography for The Lion King, Garth Fagan is widely recognized as the architect of a distinctive new dance movement and the visionary who transformed Rochester, NY into a hub for world-class contemporary dance. He has created more than 100 works for the stage and is an inspiring teacher. Griot New York is a critically acclaimed contemporary dance piece by Fagan, blending modern, ballet, and Afro-Caribbean styles to explore urban life and African-American history. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of the Garth Fagan Dance Company. A portion of proceeds will support the company in its 55th year.

More Than Blue is a groundbreaking new documentary that illuminates the faces and voices of postpartum depression across America. Through the real stories of families across the country, the film shines a light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders – too often unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. While we have come a long way over the last decade in terms of screening patients, most individuals experiencing conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis still go undiagnosed or untreated. Pairing personal stories with expert insights, the film aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure mothers receive the care they need to recover and heal. A panel discussion and Q&A follows the film.

A Q&A with writer and star Jill Kargman follows the film. Renowned social media influencer Dzanielle navigates fake friendships among the Black card–swiping, workout-obsessed Upper East Siders of New York. In her comedic quest for a million followers, she unexpectedly finds her first real friend—and her true self. INFLUENCED is a sharp, foul-mouthed, and warm-hearted satire of New York City’s Upper East Side influencer culture from writer/star Jill Kargman (Odd Mom Out) and director Rachel Israel (Keep the Change). Kargman is joined by a standout supporting cast including David Krumholtz, Justin Bartha, Christine Taylor, Laura Bell Bundy, Jessica Capshaw, Eugene Cordero, and Dan Hedaya.

Kick off Pride Month with a 30th anniversary 4K restoration screening of The Celluloid Closet, featuring special guests Harvey Fierstein—7x Tony Award–winning actor, playwright, screenwriter, New York Times bestselling author, and lifelong LGBTQ+ activist—and Emmy, Grammy, and 2x Academy Award–winning director Rob Epstein. This exuberant, eye-opening movie serves up a dazzling hundred-year history of the role of gay men and lesbians have had on the silver screen. Lily Tomlin narrates as Oscar-winning moviemaker Rob Epstein (The Times of Harvey Milk and Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt) and Jeffrey Friedman assemble fabulous footage from 120 films showing the changing face of cinema sexuality, from cruel stereotypes to covert love to the activist triumphs of the 1990s. Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Curtis, Harvey Fierstein and Gore Vidal are just a few of the many actors, writers and commentators who provide funny and insightful anecdotes.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, located in Brewster, NY, is celebrating 50 years of enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted activities and education with a short film and discussion. Through moving stories of courage, resilience, and growth, the film highlights how Pegasus Therapeutic Riding helps individuals build confidence, improve physical and emotional well-being, and discover new possibilities through the partnership between horse and participant. Q&A and reception to follow. Pegasus Therapeutic Riding's mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted activities and education

Elva: Art of Redemption tells the story of Lancaster County, PA Artist Elva Hurst's journey from the Old Order Mennonite Church. The movie introduces two local spiritual leaders, Pastor Timothy Wagner and Deacon William Bowen, who have small roles in the production and are spearheading the restoration work on the Cross River 1791 Meeting House. Wagner and Bowen presided at the funeral of the last member of the Cross River Meeting House this past July and received the keys to the historic property. Given the historic nature of the Meeting House dating to 1791 (William Jay signed the original articles of incorporation) it was felt that the property should be preserved. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the effort to save the Cross River 1791 Meeting House.