By Bradley Towle
LEXINGTON — The Lexington Film Festival returns this weekend for its third annual weekend of film screenings and fun. Curated by Caitlin McColl, co-owner of Van Dusen's General Store, in collaboration with the Catskill Mountain Foundation, each night of the four-day festival offers an engaging and unique glimpse into the region through film.
"Some of the films were recommended to me, while others I had already seen and knew immediately I wanted to share with our audience," says McColl of how she selected the films.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, June 19th, at the Mountain Cinema in Hunter with The Dancing Man: Peg Leg Bates, a one-hour PBS documentary about the legendary one-legged black tap dancer and Catskill resort owner, Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates. Director Dave Davidson and Producer Amber Edwards will present the newly restored and remastered film.
The festival travels to Lexington on Friday night for "A Tribute to Blossom Dearie" at Van Dusen's General Store, a celebration of the East Durham native, who was an internationally renowned jazz musician and composer. Mocktails, beer, and wine will be available for sale to accompany the footage of Dearie that will be screened. On Saturday, The Mountaintop Historical Society in Haines Falls will host "Deep Water: Building the Catskill Water System," a 45-minute documentary co-directed by Tobe Carey, chronicling the construction of New York City's Catskill Water System in the early 20th century. Carey will be in attendance to present the film.
The Lexington Film Festival wraps up on Sunday, back at the Mountain Cinema for an afternoon of LGBTQ+-themed shorts hosted and moderated by Patricia Charbonneau, star of the 1985 film Desert Hearts. One of the shorts in particular, One Story at a Time, had resonated with McColl when she caught a previous screening in Kingston. "At just ten minutes long, it's a powerful and moving piece that really leaves an impression."
McColl, who, in addition to her many roles, has also directed plays with the Maude Adams Theater Hub, strives to curate her festival each year with care, offering attendees a glimpse into the region they may not be familiar with through film. "Every film in this year's festival carries weight and meaning. These are stories of artists and changemakers who created something of value—often in the face of great challenges," says McColl. "Some of our selections look back in time...In contrast, Sunday's program leans toward the future, with four compelling short films screening at the Doctorow Center for the Arts." McColl hopes the selected films will leave a lasting impression. "Each film stands on its own, both artistically and thematically, but together, they form a larger conversation—one I hope will leave the audience feeling inspired long after the festival ends." For tickets and more information, visit catskillmtn.org/lexington-film-festival. Tickets are pay-what-you-will.
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