FilmColumbia returns October 22–31, with nearly 40 films
CHATHAM, N.Y. — FilmColumbia will return, October 22–31, after last year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. The 10-day festival in Chatham, New York, will present world-class independent and international features and documentaries, along with post-screening Q&As with directors, and special tributes, all presented by The Crandell Theatre.
The number of films, nearly 40 this year, is slightly reduced from previous years to accommodate added health and safety measures, including proof of vaccination for all attendees and staff, required mask-wearing indoors at all times, reduced seating capacity at the Crandell, and the use of only one primary venue for festival events. Additionally, the festival will implement an individual ticketing system and, therefore, no festival passes will be offered this year. The annual pre-festival benefit reception has been cancelled, as well.
FilmColumbia 2021 will offer feature and documentary films hailing from more than 35 countries, as well as the latest releases from award-winning directors Pedro Almodovar and Wes Anderson, and theater legend James Lapine. The festival also will feature performances by celebrated actors including Timothy Chalamet, Olivia Colman, Penelope Cruz, Benicio Del Toro, Colin Firth, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Joaquin Phoenix, Tilda Swinton, and Jeffrey Wright.
FilmColumbia will kick off Friday, Oct. 22 with two noteworthy films. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., “Compartment No. 6,” which shared the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is the story of a tough, vodka-swilling Russian man sharing a train compartment with a heartbroken, gay Finnish student. At 7:30 p.m., award-winning director Pedro Almodovar’s new feature, “Parallel Mothers,” starring Penelope Cruz, tells the story of two women who give birth and become single mothers at the same time.
Among other noteworthy festival events are two post-screening, in-person director Q&A sessions: with Lapine for “In the Company of Rose” on October 24, a documentary he directed about noted poet and human rights activist Rose Styron, widow of author William Styron; and with acclaimed food critic Ruth Reichl for “Julia” October 27, a new documentary about iconic cook, writer, and social activist Julia Child from the Oscar-nominated directors of “RBG.”
FilmColumbia’s annual Saturday Night Sneak, an unannounced film that traditionally joins the list of Oscar contenders announced four months later, will screen at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.
Online tickets to FilmColumbia 2021 for Crandell Theatre members are available now. Online sales for the general public will begin October 16 at 9 a.m. For details of ticket sales procedures and to purchase tickets, click here. This year’s health and safety protocols are posted on the FilmColumbia website.
—A.K.
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The Gateways Inn announces new jazz series
LENOX — The Gateways Inn in downtown Lenox has announced a new jazz series, running Thursdays through Saturdays in October, with a special concert on October 24. Presented in association with Berkshires Jazz, Inc., the series is curated by jazz musician and educator Andy Wrba. The month’s concerts will present groups led by pianist Armen Donelian; alto saxophonist Kris Allen; vocalists Jeanne Laurin, Samirah Evans, and Wanda Houston; and a special concert on Sunday, Oct. 24, Rhapsody in Gershwin, with the Ted Rosenthal Trio.
The Thursday–Saturday events are free, with open seating, and run from 6-9 p.m.
Alto saxophonist Kris Allen will perform with his trio every Thursday. Armen Donelian will perform most Fridays, with a variety of side musicians. On October 24, pianist Ted Rosenthal will perform his unique interpretations of George Gershwin compositions, highlighted by his treatment of the legendary Rhapsody in Blue. The “tea-time jazz special,” collectively known as Rhapsody in Gershwin, starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased online.
All events 6-9 p.m., no cover (except October 24)
10/1 – Armen Donelian with Don Mikkelsen (trombone)
10/2 – Jeanne Laurin with John Sauer
10/7 – Kris Allen Trio, with Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums)
10/8 – Francesca Tanksley, piano
10/9 – Wanda Houston Band
10/14 – Kris Allen Trio with Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums)
10/15 – Armen Donelian, with Aron Caceres (bass) and David Jimenez (drums)
10/16 – (Closed for a Private Event)
10/21 – Kris Allen Trio with Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums)
10/22 – Armen Donelian with Luke Franco (guitar)
10/23 – Samirah Evans abd Matthew Dorko
10/24 – Ted Rosenthal Trio – Rhapsody in Gershwin – Special Event, ticketed 4pm
10/28 – Kris Allen Trio with Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums)
10/29 – Armen Donelian with Chris Pasin (trumpet)
10/30 – (Closed for a Private Event)
—A.K.
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Hillsdale to hold 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival October 9
HILLSDALE, N.Y. — The 10th annual Hillsdale Pumpkin Festival will take place at businesses throughout Hillsdale and in the town’s Hamlet Park, at the corner of State Routes 22 and 23, on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The event will feature live music, seasonal displays and activities, a bake sale, community tables, police and sheriff’s department exhibits, and a BBQ dinner. A Gathering of Scarecrows, at 11 a.m. at Town Hall, is a competition to create and decorate a scarecrow with this year’s theme of Superheroes and Villains. The contest will be followed by participants and the public parading down Main Street to the Hamlet Park. Costumes are encouraged. Children 12 and younger can enjoy free pony rides starting at 2 p.m., weather permitting, at BridleWood Dressage, 35 Sir William Farm Road in Hillsdale.
Visitors will also be able to tour the Columbia County Sheriff Department’s Remote Police Command vehicle, sign up for the agency’s ID program, visit with working police dogs, and see the drones used by police. At the Roe Jan Library, one mile south of Hamlet Park on Route 22, children can enjoy pumpkin painting starting at 1 p.m. (free, pre-registration required, email youth@roejanlibrary.org).
The Hillsdale Fire Department will hold a BBQ for $15 (pre-order required, email hillsdalefirecompany@gmail.com or call Emily at 518-938-1585 to reserve a meal). Food will be available for pickup at the fire station, just north of the hamlet on Route 22, starting at 4 p.m.
—A.K.
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GB Land Conservancy’s Run for the Hills to be held October 10
GREAT BARRINGTON — Great Barrington Land Conservancy (GBLC) will host its traditional road race, Run for the Hills, on Sunday, Oct. 10. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to enjoy the peak fall foliage and help GBLC raise the funds needed to promote conservation, farm preservation, and community trails. Volunteers are also welcome.
The event will take place at the Kilpatrick Athletic Center at Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Registration is recommended and the first 125 registrants and all volunteers will receive t-shirts. Registration will also be available on Race Day from 8–9 a.m. Computerized timing will be provided by the Berkshire Running Center and results will be posted online. State and local COVID guidelines will be in place for everyone’s safety.
—A.K.
