Pottsville graduate Averill joins 'Sopranos' actor as headliner at up-and-coming film festival – Pottsville Republican Herald

POTTVILLE – The inaugural Pottsville Film Festival will take place May 30-June 1, 2025.

The highly anticipated event will bring filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts to the city to celebrate cinema, creativity and community, the city said in a press release announcing event details.

Two distinguished special guests will headline the event: Danny Grimaldi, known for his dual roles as twin brothers Patsy Parisi and Philly Parisi on the iconic television series “The Sopranos,” and Pottsville native Meredith Averill, an award-winning television writer and producer for Netflix.

Averill, a graduate of Pottsville Area High School, has received widespread recognition for her work as executive producer of “Locke & Key.” “Wednesday;” and “The Haunting of Hill House.”

Event highlights

Friday, May 30: The festival begins with an exclusive meet and greet with Grimaldi and Averill at the Eagle Tavern, offering fans a rare opportunity to interact with the acclaimed actor and writer, followed by a glamorous red carpet event at Arrow Studio & Events.

Saturday, May 31: The Majestic Theater will host a full day of film block screenings featuring a variety of films from local, national and student filmmakers. Attendees can also enjoy a beer garden, live entertainment and a writing workshop led by Averill at Alvernia University's Pottsville Campus. The workshop offers aspiring writers the opportunity to learn from one of the industry's top talents. The evening culminated at The Chopping Block with an Italian-style dinner party and a Sopranos question-and-answer session with Grimaldi.

Sunday, June 1: The festival concludes with a Sunday brunch and the highly anticipated awards ceremony, which will award three cash prizes valued at $500 for Best Student Film, Best Pennsylvania Film and Best of the Fest.

Additionally, 15 trophies will be awarded to honor outstanding films in various categories.

How to take part

Filmmakers are invited to submit their work starting November 1, 2024. To apply, visit www.downtownpottsville.com and click on “Pottsville Film Festival” to be redirected to the FilmFreeway application portal for further details.

Tickets will be available in the coming weeks at www.downtownpottsville.com.