On February 16, 2025, the West Orange Classic Film Festival transported audiences back to the vibrant 1980s with a special screening of Desperately Seeking Susan. The event, held at the AMC Theater in West Orange, featured a lively discussion with acclaimed producer Richard Baratta, https://www.richardbaratta.com/ whose impressive career spans both film and music.
Baratta shared behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the iconic 1985 film, offering insights into its unique blend of comedy, mystery, and downtown New York. His engaging talk captivated the audience, shedding light on the filmmaking process and the era’s cultural impact.
Adding to the fun, one enthusiastic filmgoer arrived dressed as Madonna’s character, complete with the signature lace gloves and layered accessories, perfectly channeling the film’s rebellious spirit.
On February 23, 2025, attendees of the West Orange Classic Film Festival experienced a powerful blend of history and mystery with a special screening of The House of Dies Drear. The film, adapted from Virginia Hamilton’s novel, explores the Underground Railroad and family dynamics, themes that resonated with many in the audience.
Held at the AMC Theater in West Orange, the event featured an insightful live discussion with award-winning playwright, screenwriter and educator Richard Wesley. https://tisch.nyu.edu/about/directory/dramatic-writing/108406225.html
A Newark East Side High School alumnus, Wesley shared how his strong English grades led him to storytelling, recalling a pivotal moment at age 17 when he saw Langston Hughes’ name in the credits of a PBS American Playhouse production. His words resonated deeply with young attendees from the Read-Up! Book Club in East Orange, offering inspiration for future storytellers.
Wesley related how he folded his personal life experiences into his stories, providing some enlightening background on the history behind the Underground Railroad, and reminiscing on his time meeting with the author as he was developing his adaptation of her acclaimed novel.
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OF THE WEST ORANGE FILM FESTIVAL