Still Indie After All These Years: SouthSide Film Festival Turns 21

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The SouthSide Film Festival is turning 21 — and it’s still one of the Lehigh Valley’s most vibrant, volunteer-driven cultural events.

In this episode, George Wacker sits down with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan to talk about the grassroots origins of the fest, how they choose which films to feature (“Would you pay $10 to see it?”), and what makes this year’s event more international and community-driven than ever.

We get into past favorites like Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, this year’s picks like 25 Cats from Qatar and 40 Watts from Nowhere, and how the SouthSide Film Festival remains a celebration of weird, wonderful cinema — built by and for the Lehigh Valley.

🎥 Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!)
📍 Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more
🎟️ Info & Tickets: ssff.org

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🎧 SouthSide Film Festival Turns 21 and Stays Purely Indie

The SouthSide Film Festival returns June 10 through 14 in South Bethlehem. In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, host George Wacker talks with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan about what makes this grassroots, international film event so unique.

It began as a casual idea between friends at a coffee shop. Two decades later, it has become a fully independent, volunteer-powered celebration of independent film with global reach and deep local roots.

“We are an international film festival. We have films from Qatar and Cyprus this year. Ireland. Almost every state in the United States.” — Jen Cotto

What Makes a SouthSide Film?

Each year, the jury screens hundreds of submissions. Films come through FilmFreeway, and the process begins in the fall.

“We start meeting in September through April. We sit and we watch these films and we say, would we suggest people spend $10 to see this?” — Jen Cotto

That simple question shapes every selection. Jury members consider story, plot, acting, technical quality, and whether the film offers something worth an audience’s time and money.

A Festival Built on Volunteer Power

SouthSide Film Festival has no corporate sponsors or large institutional backers. It operates on community energy and independence.

“We are not affiliated with any other nonprofit in the area. Everybody thinks we’re part of ArtsQuest. We are not. We don’t get any money from them.” — Jen Cotto

“We are such a best-kept secret in the Valley. If we were to get a bigger audience, I’m not expecting us to get Musikfest numbers. But we would be comfortable with two or three times the audience we have.” — Jen Cotto

This Festival Is About Connection

More than just screenings, SouthSide offers Q&A sessions with filmmakers and real audience interaction. There are no competitive prizes or red carpet ceremonies. Instead, there is conversation.

“We don’t really give prizes. We give an audience award, where people write in their favorite feature and short film. That’s it. We don’t offer a monetary prize.” — Jen Cotto

What to Watch in 2025

🎥 25 Cats from Qatar
A documentary about an organization that rescues stray cats and brings them to the U.S.

“That one’s showing Wednesday night. The filmmaker is going to be there. It’s a great film.” — Jen Cotto

🎥 40 Watts from Nowhere
The story of a pirate radio station in 1990s San Francisco

“I had read her book in the early 2000s. I was amazed. There’s a documentary on it. Now I want to see it.” — Ben Bertalan

How to Attend

June 10–14, 2025
🎟️ Info and tickets: https://southsidefilmfestival.com

Screening Locations

  • Cathedral Church of the Nativity

  • Touchstone Theatre

  • PBS39

  • Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema (Friday late-night screening)

  • Festival HQ: Deja Brew Coffeehouse (tickets, info, programs)

Want to Get Involved?

SouthSide is always looking for new volunteers and future jury members. The best way to join is to stop by Deja Brew, message on Instagram or Facebook, or visit the website.

“We are always on the lookout for people who want to help. Board members, volunteers. Some nights on the jury can get unruly, but we’re always open to more people.” — Jen Cotto

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/southside

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre

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Guests:

  • Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre

  • Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers.

The Young Playwrights’ Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it’s impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region.

🎟 Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🧠 Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org

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🧠 Episode Recap

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre
What happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep.

Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt.

Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Lab uses improv games, writing exercises, and group collaboration to help students develop their own one-act plays. Each year, a handful of these are selected and professionally staged as part of the festival.

Krista Metter, who made her debut in last year’s production as a scene-stealing octopus, shares how being part of the cast made her feel “like a kid again”—and how the program builds deep community ties by giving young voices a real spotlight.

“It’s not just a performance,” says Mary. “It’s a celebration. A party. And the kids are at the center of it all.”

With over 100 plays written this year alone and countless community members stepping in to help with directing, costumes, and production—this event has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most treasured arts traditions.

🌐 Learn more: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/
🎧 Listen to the episode: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/youngplaywrights20
📲 Follow: @lvwithlove | @TouchstoneTheatre

Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview

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Guests:

In this special episode of Lehigh Valley With Love, we dive deep into the 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, one of the most anticipated automotive events in the region. From the exciting Preview Gala to the latest high-performance vehicles, electric innovations, and custom builds, this episode covers it all.

ALL INFO AT: https://lehighvalleyautoshow.org/

We discuss:
✔️ The Preview Gala, benefiting Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit
✔️ The history and impact of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association
✔️ What to expect at this year’s auto show – from luxury cars to NASCAR and F1 exhibits
✔️ The growing presence of hybrid and electric vehicles
✔️ Exclusive custom car showcases and local car culture
✔️ The economic and philanthropic impact of the auto show

Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual car enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend event, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show has something for everyone!

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Blog: Lehigh Valley Auto Show 2025 – A Recap

The Premier Automotive Event Returns

The 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show is set to be a spectacular showcase, featuring everything from exotic supercars to the latest in electric vehicle technology. Held at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena, this event is a celebration of automotive excellence, innovation, and community spirit.

A Night to Remember – The Preview Gala

Kicking off on March 19th, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview Gala offers an exclusive first look at this year’s impressive lineup. This elegant evening supports the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit and promises a night filled with entertainment, gourmet dining, and networking opportunities. The event will feature a performance of the national anthem by Kendall Conrad, followed by lively entertainment from the Mummers.

What’s New at the 2025 Auto Show?

Running from March 20-23, the auto show spans three distinct pavilions:

  • Import Pavilion: Showcasing top international brands like Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and McLaren.
  • Domestic Pavilion: Featuring American favorites such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
  • Luxury Pavilion: A display of high-end exotics including Lamborghinis and McLarens.

🚦 Special Attractions Include:

  • NASCAR and Formula 1 Exhibits: Get up close with two NASCAR race cars and a Formula 1 display.
  • Tuner Show: On Saturday, enjoy a showcase of custom cars with awards and live DJ sets.
  • NASCAR Sunday: Meet local professional driver Sage Karam and explore racing exhibits.
  • Local Tastings: Daily samplings from regional breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Spotlight on Local Talent – Jonah Hendershot

We’re thrilled to feature Jonah Hendershot, the Lehigh Valley-based YouTuber behind the popular channel “Cookin’ Cars”. Jonah combines his passion for culinary arts and automobiles, creating unique content that blends car reviews, event coverage, and DIY automotive tutorials. His engaging and relatable style makes Cookin’ Cars a must-follow channel for car enthusiasts.

📺 Subscribe to his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@cookincars

Why Attend?

🎟 Affordable Fun – Only $10 max entry, free parking, and an unforgettable experience.
🚗 Dream Cars on Display – Sit in and explore the latest hybrid, electric, and high-performance vehicles.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Activities – Kid-friendly exhibits, interactive displays, and a marketplace with local vendors.

📅 Event Details:

 

Some of Lisa’s Favorite Cult Items | Lisa Joins a Cult at The Emmaus Theatre on February 23

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Guests:

  • Lisa Van Arsdale – Storyteller and Performer, “Lisa Joins a Cult”
LV with Love Partners

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Van Arsdale to discuss her upcoming show, Lisa Joins a Cult, happening February 23 at 6 p.m. at the Emmaus Theatre. Lisa shares her journey of exploring fringe religious communities and collecting fascinating artifacts—like a “Jesus First” pin from the Jerry Falwell Museum, a protective card from Father Divine followers, and a pamphlet predicting Judgment Day in 2011.

Far from mocking these beliefs, Lisa approaches these groups with curiosity and respect, offering a unique lens into their cultures. We dive into the stories behind these artifacts and how they’ve shaped her show. If you’ve ever been curious about fringe communities, this episode is for you!

Links

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Canoes, Poems, and Inclusive Art at Festival UnBound

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A Tour of the Arts at Lafayette College (Fall Arts Festival Starts September 28!)

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Thank you to our Partners!

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