In Memoriam

MICHAEL LANG 1944-2022

Michael Lang’s contribution to the Woodstock Film Festival was profound. His connections in the music, art, and film world were deep and far-reaching (his friend Peter Max did our poster back in 2007). Michael’s fame made him easily recognizable, and he was equally charming to everyone he met. His “Peter Pan” glow, coupled with his gentle spirit and sense of humor, were treasured by everyone. Being with Michael was always a joy. When we launched the Spirit of Woodstock Award in 2011, Michael was the obvious choice as our first recipient. And true to Michael’s spirit, the event was magical. We held the gala at a stunning former piano factory on the Hudson River, catered by Mary Giuliani, with live music by John Sebastian and a presentation by Academy Awardwinner Barbara Kopple, all close friends. Although gone from our community, in our hearts Michael will be forever young, with his youthful grin, white sneakers, light gait, and ability to make everything seem easy and joyous. A deeply loving father and husband, as well as a friend to many near and far, Michael was a beacon of light. Rock on, dear friend. When the Woodstock Film Festival launched in early 2000, Mark Braunstein gave us our first check, presented in person at a volunteer recruitment gathering by the late Victoria Langling, then head of customer care and charitable giving at Markertek. Generous, innovative, brilliant, and kind, Mark was larger than life. Founder of Markertek, a leading broadcast supply company, his impact on the Hudson Valley was immense, being one of the top economic developers, with well over 100 employees at any given time. In 2014, the Woodstock Film Festival honored Mark with our Spirit of Woodstock Award, a celebration filled with family, colleagues, and friends at the Emerson Resort and Spa. For many years, Mark was our leading benefactor, however the Woodstock Film Festival was just one of the many organizations, schools, food banks, events, projects, and people that he supported. Not to mention that at just about any art event in Woodstock and the Hudson Valley, you were sure to see the name Markertek or Mark Braunstein and wife Katharine L. McKenna as sponsors. Mark was truly a great friend and one of the foremost pillars of our community. His contribution will be felt for a very long time.

MARK BRAUNSTEIN 1950-2021

In Memory of Mark Braunstein

1950 - 2021 Maverick Award Winner WFF Founding Sponsor