Photo Flash: Indie Film THE FATHER AND THE BEAR to Premiere at Stony Brook Film Festival

Veteran director JOHN PUTCH'S new independent film will unspool at the 21st annual Long Island festival on July 22nd to begin the week of films in competition.

"THE FATHER AND THE BEAR" marks Putch's 9th independent film since his Sundance FF entry 'VALERIE FLAKE' in 1999. Two of Putch's previous films, 'MOJAVE PHONE BOOTH' & 'ROUTE 30' have screened at Stony Brook in the past. With MOJAVE PHONE BOOTH winning best feature in 2006.

"I've said before that Stony Brook FF was one of the top 3 fests I've ever shown a film at, and 10 years later, I still can stand behind that statement. Better than Sundance hands down," said Putch.

"THE FATHER AND THE BEAR" is Putch's most personal film to date. The story is about a retired character actor with diagnosed dementia (WIL LOVE), who longs to perform at his beloved summer theater one last time. Against his daughter's wishes (DENDRIE TAYLOR), he accepts a role from the newly installed artistic director (DAVID DeLUISE) who is unaware of the man's condition.

The film was shot entirely on location in Putch's HOME TOWN of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania at the Totem Pole Playhouse. A summer stock theater, which his late father WILLIAM PUTCH guided as artistic director for 30 years. The film stars WIL LOVE, one of Totem Pole's veterans, who's career performing there spans over 40 years. Putch's use of archival material both still and Super-8 of the theater, and Love's performances are expertly woven into the story which also stars DAVID DELUISE as the theater's new artistic director.

Returning members of Putch's acting troupe include DENDRIE TAYLOR, ROBERT PICARDO, RAY FICCA, ALICIA FUSTING, JAMIE ROSE, DAN POOLE, KEVIN M. HORTON, CARL SCHURR & ED GOTWALT.

The film is lensed by frequent collaborator KEITH J. DUGGAN who marks this the 6th feature film with Putch at the helm.

Details about the screening can be found at fatherandthebear.com/screenings.

Or by visiting staller.sunysb.edu/festival/

website: fatherandthebear.com

running time: 84min USA color, surround 5.1, not rated.

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