New film festival to debut in Chester

New York”™s newest film festival will launch this week in the Orange County town of Chester.

The inaugural Sugar Loaf Film Festival will run Sept. 22-24 at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center. According to the festival”™s website, its mission is “to highlight and celebrate the work of emerging filmmakers creating film and documentaries on both a local and international platform.”

The festival organizers added they will “bring focus to filmmaking in New York State, New York City and specifically the Hudson Valley,” and the event will “include special categories for underrepresented filmmakers and filmmakers under 21.”

In addition to new films, the festival will also offer screenings of the classics “Casablanca,” “Jaws” and “Back to the Future,” along with live music and stand-up comedy presentations.