Rooted Documentary Returns to Bethlehem This October

Rooted, a 75-minute documentary about the transformation of Bethlehem from a steel town to an arts town, will be screened twice this October, each followed by conversations that deepen the story.

After premiering at the SouthSide Film Festival and earning a nomination for Best Documentary at the Newark International Film Festival, Rooted continues to spark discussion about the city’s creative rebirth. The film draws from more than 200 hours of interviews, archival footage, music, and photographs, weaving together the voices of the artists who helped shape Bethlehem’s cultural identity.

Rooted: 50 Years of Art, History, and Community in Bethlehem

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The SouthSide Film Festival is proud to present Rooted — a new documentary tracing 50 years of creative life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In this episode, George Wacker sits down with three of the artists featured in the film: Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, and Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels. Together, they reflect on what it means to create and collaborate in a post-industrial city shaped by both hardship and hope.

We talk about the early days of the Lehigh Valley arts scene, the personal and cultural challenges that defined their work, and how a community of artists helped transform Bethlehem from a steel town into a space for bold, grassroots creativity.

🎥 Rooted Screening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Baker Hall at Zoellner Arts Center
🎟️ Tickets: Get them here

🎧 Listen to the podcast: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/rooted

Southside Film 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

Watch Episode

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