This Month’s Featured Article

On Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, Stissing Center for Arts & Culture in Pine Plains, NY, will be hosting the inaugural Pine Plains Festival of Shorts, a curated, non-competitive showcase of short films created by filmmakers from Pine Plains and other nearby localities. 

The festival will serve as a fundraiser to upgrade Stissing Center with professional-grade film screening equipment, ensuring that film can again become a regular part of the center’s programming. 

Stissing Center is a non-profit arts space located in the heart of Pine Plains that hosts a range of performances and events in music, theater, and other arts that reflect the character of the Hudson Valley and greater northeast region. The center’s focus is on offering programs that are welcoming, thought-provoking, and accessible, ergo supporting creativity, inspiration, and connection for people of all ages in the Hudson Valley. 

Bringing film back to Pine Plains

“As many of you know, our building once housed The Plains Theater, Pine Plains’ local movie house from the 1930s through the 1960s,” explains Patrick Trettenero, executive director of Stissing Center. “We are delighted to honor that history while showcasing the incredible creativity of local filmmakers. This festival is about bringing movies back to Pine Plains, and just as importantly, about celebrating the talent in our own backyard.”

In fact, this history is what inspired the concept for the short film festival to begin with. With so many gifted, award-winning filmmakers living in Pine Plains and the surrounding towns, Patrick says it only felt natural to bring movies back to Stissing Center’s stage and celebrate the incredible creative talent that calls this region home. 

“Stissing Center exists to connect and reflect our community. Showcasing local filmmakers reminds us that extraordinary creativity can be found right in our own backyard,” Patrick says. “Many of these artists have built remarkable careers and now share their talents here, where they live. By featuring their work, we not only celebrate their artistry, but also inspire others to tell their own stories. It’s about pride of place – and about building a shared creative culture rooted in our town and region.” 

What to expect from the film festival 

The two evenings will feature an array of films, including documentary, animation, comedy, and drama. Following the screenings, there will be live Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. 

Some highlights include “Memories/Dreams” and “Our Farms, Our Farmers,” by Keith Reamer and Murphy Birdsall of Pine Plains; “Rosey’s,” by Britt Ko; Brian Gersten’s “Hollywood’s Mermaid: The Esther Williams Story”; “Into the Artist’s Mind: A Conversation with John Greene,” by Forge Media and the Art Effect; and Matt Bartolomeo’s “Pete’s Jeeps.” 

“We curated a diverse lineup – documentary, animation, drama, and comedy – featuring filmmakers who live in or near Pine Plains,” Patrick explains. “Each film was chosen for its originality, craftsmanship, and heart. Together, they reflect the range and richness of storytelling happening in our corner of the Hudson Valley.” 

With four to six short films shown each evening and discussions moderated by community members, the festival is designed not as a competition, but rather as a celebration of creativity and connection.

More than anything, Patrick says that audiences can look forward to two evenings of inspired storytelling and community connection. “This festival serves a purpose beyond celebration – it’s a fundraiser to help Stissing Center purchase professional-grade film screening equipment, the next step toward creating an ongoing film program,” he says. “These filmmakers have come together to support that vision, helping us ensure that cinema once again becomes a part of life in Pine Plains.” •

Tickets are available now at thestissingcenter.org or by calling (518) 771-3339. Stissing Center for Arts & Culture is located at 2950 Church Street, Pine Plains, NY.