Director’s Statement

Together with an extraordinary and dedicated team of volunteers and film lovers, it is an honor to bring the Centre Film Festival to three locations this year: we are back at the Rowland Theatre and are looking forward to seeing our audience there again, and we welcome audiences for the first time to the Mishler Theatre and the State Theatre.

In the process of planning and hosting our annual festival, it has been inspiring getting to know the people, local businesses and non-profit organizations who are committed to Central Pennsylvania, its heritage, its community and the arts. These three historic sites transforms us back to the heyday of large-scale cinema and provides a dramatic setting for us to come together, share the space and tell our stories. The festival also offers a virtual and hybrid experience so that anyone in Pennsylvania can appreciate the films and post-screening discussions.

The week is filled with many opportunities for intergenerational and multidimensional conversations, including visiting filmmakers who will answer questions after their films, special guests, an industry jury who will present awards at our closing ceremony, and a local high school competition which will encourage future filmmakers to flourish here. The films range from outdoor adventures to horror, from Afghani rock-androllers to the history of the automat.

I would like to invite everyone to join us, stop by at some point, peek in (in person and online) and see what’s brewing, catch just one movie or an after-party, or take in the entire experience with an all-access pass.

I am thrilled to share the privilege of appreciating Philipsburg, Altoona, and State College with you and all of our volunteers and supporters.

- Pearl Gluck, Artistic Director

Pictured alongside Rep. Scott Conklin, CFF 2019