The Woodstock Film Festival has long been one of my favorite fests. It not only brings a wide range of exceptional movies to Upstate New York, but it also gives movie fans a chance to hear directly from filmmakers during various events, screenings, and Q&As.
On Friday, Oct. 12, I attended the premiere of Cold Brook, the directorial debut of veteran actor William Fichtner (Mom, Prison Break) at WFF. The film follows Ted (played by Fichtner) and Hilde (Kim Coates), who find a stranger, after hours, in the museum where they work. They decide to help him get back where he belongs, which brings them on a supernatural adventure as they answer the questions, what would you do to help a stranger? The movie celebrates male friendship, the love of family, and the value that lies in embracing your roots.
The movie was filmed in and around Fichtner’s hometown of Buffalo so it is no surprise that some of the city’s landmarks, including the Buffalo History Museum, play major roles in the film. During the Festival Q&A, Fichtner said Buffalo’s mayor, Byron Brown, had been a “massive supporter” of the film.
Cold Brook took home the prestigious Carpe Diem Andretta Award at WFF, which is sponsored by The Vincent J. Andretta Memorial Fund and is presented to the film that best represents living life to the fullest. And, I can confirm, this was a prize that was well-deserved.
Check out more about Cold Brook and The Woodstock Film Festival at woodstockfilmfestival.org.
