Two stars from The Sopranos helped kick off the inaugural Pottsville Film Festival on Friday.
Danny Grimaldi, who played twin brothers Patsy and Philly Parisi on the HBO hit show, was joined by Artie Pasquale, who played Burt Gervasi, were guests of honor at a red carpet gala held at Arrow Studio & Events in Pottsville.
Pottsville Film Festival is a first-of-its-kind event in Schuylkill County, and runs through this weekend. Organizers believe about a thousand people are expected downtown this weekend, provided the weather cooperates for the outdoor portions of the event.
About 50 filmmakers are among those in attendance. And more than 200 submissions were entered into the Film Festival.
Pottsville Film Festival features numerous paid and free events over the weekend, including 10 film blocks at several locations in the city. There will also be street vendors along N. Centre St. on Saturday as well as The Boys Upstairs playing outdoors Saturday evening.
Here is a rundown of the events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday of the Pottsville Film Festival:
Saturday, May 31
- 10 a.m.: Film Block 1 (Student films) at Majestic Theater
- 10:30 a.m.: Film Block 7 (Feature films) at The Chopping Block
- 11 a.m.: Film Block 2 (Student films) at Majestic Theater
- 12 p.m.: Vendors open on N. Centre St.
- 12 p.m.: Film Block 3 (Masters of the Air) at Majestic Theater
- 1 p.m.: Film Block 4 (Short films) at The Chopping Block
- 2 p.m.: Beer garden opens at John Pott parking lot
- 3-4 p.m.: Writers Workshop at Alvernia University
- 4-6 p.m.: Sopranos Q&A at The Chopping Block
- 6 p.m.: Film Block 6 (Festival spotlights) at Majestic Theater
- 6:30-8:30 p.m.: The Boys Upstairs at John Pott parking lot
- 8 p.m.: Film Block 8 (Mature audiences) at Majestic Theater
- 9:15 p.m.: Film Block 9 (Never Hike Alone) at Yuengling Mansion
Sunday, June 1
- 9 a.m.: Special Guest Brunch at Black Rock Brew Pub
- 10:30 a.m.: Film Block 5 (Student films) at Majestic Theater
- 11:30 a.m.: Film Block 10 at Majestic Theater
- 1 p.m.: Awards ceremony at Majestic Theater
To purchase tickets for some or all of these events, visit this page or purchase tickets at the Film Festival.
Opening Night of Pottsville Film Festival
On Friday, Pottsville Film Festival got underway with several special events, including a VIP meet-and-greet session with Pasquale at Eagle Tavern.
The night wrapped up with a red carpet gala where Lifetime Achievement awards were presented to Pasquale and local supporter Gabe Nassar.
In accepting his award, Nasr reflected and said he’s an “emotional guy” and a “lucky guy”.
Speaking about his friend Pasquale, Grimaldi described him as a “paramount professional.”
“He’s an actor’s actor,” Grimaldi said. “I’m really lucky to call him my friend,” Pasquale added.
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