BETHLEHEM, Pa. — From a local documentary highlighting the arts in the Lehigh Valley to films that celebrate Pride, this year's Southside Film Festival will showcase an array of cultural and social issues.
The festival, now in its 21st year, also will feature more than 80 independent films, including documentaries, comedies, dramas, anime and LGBTQ-themed films.
Presented by the SouthSide Arts District, the festival will run from Tuesday, June 10, to Sunday, June 15.
Films will be screened at Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St.; Touchstone Theatre, 321 E. Fourth St.; and Univest Public Media Center, home to Lehigh Valley Public Media, on the SteelStacks campus.
Lehigh Valley Public Media includes PBS39, 91.3 WLVR Radio, and LehighValleyNews.com.
There will be additional events at Frank Banko Cinema at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, and Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center, 420 E. Packer Ave.
Opening night
Southside Film Festival, or SSFF, is the city's longest-running film festival, presenting international films, question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers, juried selections and networking opportunities for film buffs and directors.
Opening night kicks off at 6 p.m. at Comfort Suites, 120 W. Third St.
At 8 p.m., there will be a screening of the short "Three Sisters," followed by the premiere of "Four Mothers," a British/Irish indie film about a writer who must care for his recently stroke-stricken mother.
Both movies will be screened at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity.
Access to the party and the subsequent opening night screening cost $10.
New in 2025
While single tickets are available ($10 per screening), for the first time festival organizers have launched an all-access pass for $65 or $50 for seniors and students with ID.
The pass will let film buffs see all showings of the 85 films screening at the festival, as well as the opening- and closing-night celebrations.
Access passes can be bought online at FilmFreeway.com.
Single tickets can be bought at the SSFF's headquarters at Deja Brew Coffeehouse and Deli at 101 W. Fourth St.
All-access pass holders also will get discounts from participating area businesses during the festival.
Lots of laughs, Latino community
Among the 17 films screening in the comedy block are "The Seagull (But Like, Not Chekov)," "Tacocunr," "I Could Dom" and "Crab Claw."
The shorts and features tackle an array of social issues as seen in the trailer for "Happy Thanksgiving," a short directed by Ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby that shares the experience of an Indigenous man who takes revenge against the holiday after a hasty encounter with a bank teller.
In the film, Rodriguez opens up about his immigration experience and political artwork, which tackles his opinions regarding President Trump's policies.
SSFF's schedule also includes several shorts and films that highlight the works of Latinos.
"Edel Rodriguez: Freedom Is a Verb" explores Cuban-American artist Edel Rodriguez's earlier life in Cuba through his move to the United States.
In the film, Rodriguez opens up about his immigration experience and political artwork, which tackles his opinions regarding President Donald Trump's policies.
Also screening is the short "Adiós" by Spanish director Jose Prats. Prats' piece shows a struggle between a father and son, as the patriarch struggles with feelings of being left alone.
Skateboards, anime, LGBT
Skateboard enthusiasts may enjoy four films and shorts that showcase skateboarding's influence in the community.
The films are "Pushing Ahead," "Cherrybrook DIY," "Murewa" and "Pipe Dream."
Additionally, this year's SSFF includes more than 20 international anime films.
They include "Retirement Plan," "The Bear in the Shower," "Beautiful Men, "Plunge" and "In the Shadow of the Cypress," an award-winning animated film about a former captain suffering from PTSD and his daughter who lives with him in isolation on the sea.
Just in time for Pride Month, SSFF's schedule includes two blocks of LGBTQ films — 10 features in total.
Among the features are "Trans Heaven, PA," and "Amish Country Queer," which was filmed in Lancaster and explores a queer photographer's personal experience with traditional Amish values and modernity.
Hometown roots
Closing out SSFF is the world premiere of "Rooted," a 75-minute documentary shot entirely in the Lehigh Valley last year.
The "Rooted" project was led by a team of regional artists — those responsible for shaping the creative community — including Doug Roysdon, Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre; Dave Fry, Godfrey Daniels Folk Music Club; Bridget George, Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Touchstone Theatre; and Bill George, founder of Touchstone Theatre.
The artists will attend the premiere with filmmaker Aidan Gilrain McKenna at 2 p.m. June 15 in Zoellner Arts Center.
For a complete schedule and tickets to the Southside Film Festival, visit the website.
