Local Film Celebrities Shine at Second Picture House Gala

by Susan Marino

(February 15, 2007) The Pelham Picture House held its second and very successful fundraising gala at the Rye Town Hilton on Saturday, February 10. Close to 900 people packed the event, which honored a star-studded cast of current and former residents from Larchmont, Scarsdale and other parts of Westchester. Funds raised will benefit the Picture House, a non-profit organization formed to convert an 80-year-old movie theatre into a three-screen film center. The aim is to show independent films, foreign films and film classics in an environment where audience members can interact with filmmakers and artists.

Honorees Dan Futterman (far left), Glenn Close (left) and Bennett Miller (far right) pose with presenter Leslie Holleran ( right) at the Picture House Gala. Photo by Jay Ackerman

This year’s honorees were: film star Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons) of Bedford; producer Steve Tisch (The Pursuit of Happyness, Forrest Gump) formerly of Scarsdale, and writer/actor Dan Futterman and director Bennett Miller, who grew up in Larchmont. Mr. Futterman and Mr. Miller collaborated on Capote and each was nominated for an Academy Award for their work on the highly acclaimed film – Mr. Miller for best director and best picture and Mr. Futterman for best adapted screenplay.

The Futterman - Miller collaboration goes back to their 8 th grade at Hommocks where one day Dan was amazed to encounter Bennett imitating an act from the hit television show “That’s Incredible.” Mr. Futterman said to himself, “That’s incredible! I’ve got to be friends with this guy,” he told the gala audience.

The two went on to Mamaroneck High School where they both participated in P.A.C.E., the Performing Arts Curriculum Experience. Mr. Futterman starred in P.A.C.E. productions. Earlier, he attended the Chatsworth Avenue School and appeared in the legendary musicals of teacher Bob McCabe. Asked when he first knew he would be a professional actor, he said that it was definitely during his days at MHS.

Mr. Miller recalled his training in the MHS video department and reminisced about his days as a young director. “I made my first film when I was thirteen,” he recalled. “The Larchmont Playhouse was like an oasis to me.” He believes that having a film center in the area will encourage future filmmakers.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was Mamaroneck resident Peter Travers, senior editor and film critic of Rolling Stone magazine. Presenters to the honorees were also local celebrities - director Lasse Hallstrom of Bedford and producer Leslie Holleran of Larchmont. The two collaborated on the films Casanova, Chocolat and The Cider House Rules. Ms. Holleran, who has been active in supporting the Picture House, stated that living in Larchmont (instead of Hollywood!) was a conscious decision and lifestyle choice. In the New York metropolitan area she can work with New York filmmakers and creative artists and has been successful doing so while being able to raise a family in a place like Larchmont.

Ms. Holleran is married to film editor Andrew Mondschein (Casanova, Chocolat, The Sixth Sense, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?). Mr. Mondschein said he feels that having a local film center will help people learn about and better understand the technical aspects of making motion pictures. Inevitably, this will lead to a greater appreciation of the art form, he said.

Also in attendance was actress Jane Alexander, former chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts and a four-time Oscar nominee. Local co-chairs of the gala were Vicki Lesser and Jordan Goldstein and Patty and Jeff Horing of Larchmont.

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