Rachel Louchen reports from Great Barrington. It's impossible to miss The Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) when it comes to Great Barrington — the entire town is buzzing. This year, it was even more visible because the annual white tent across the street from The Mahaiwe included a 20-foot pagoda. On Thursday, June 2, BIFF opened its 11th season with a very Instagram-worthy party inspired by the documentary, The Music of Strangers, which follows Berkshire County's Yo-Yo Ma and his Silk Road ensemble, screened immediately after the bash. The hotly anticipated four-day festival showcases independent features, documentaries, full-length fare and shorts over multiple venues in Great Barrington and Pittsfield, with filmmakers and cast members participating in post-screening discussion panels. A highlight of the festival was the presence of veteran actor Bruce Dern, who attended The Mahaiwe on Saturday night in conversation with Douglas Trumbull, followed by the screening of his Academy-Award nominated film, Nebraska. Above, BIFF Founder and Director Kelley Vickery and Pine Cone Hill creator Annie Selke.
Jefferey and Amy Mann with Karen and Robert Youdelman.
Lottie Graham and Charlotte Selke; Lana Young, star of The Big T, with Paul Gnaidek, a "jack of all trades" for BIFF.
Catherine Mandel, Matt Mandel and artist Helga S. Orthofer; Volunteer Coordinator Kalyn Burke and BIFF Executive Assistant Lauren Ferin.
Courtney Hatch of Annie Selke arranged the flowers for the giant display, designed by carpenter Keith Wilson, here with his wife, Emily Wilson.
Realtor Mandy Victor-Pieczarka with her husband, Ray Pieczarka; Vicki May of Greylock Federal Credit Union, Nina Garlington and Vicki Bonnington.
Robin Bardolia and David Dabill; Bill and Cheryl Casper attending their third consecutive BIFF.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
