Maine's Cassidy Brothers are debuting their latest film, Saving Black Bear, in local cinemas, marking a significant departure from the traditional Hollywood distribution model. The brothers, Nick and Cash Cassidy, previously brought their movie Childish Things home to Maine and found that self-distribution through community screenings was more effective than waiting for acceptance from film distributors. Their success with that approach has led them to double down on Maine for their new project.
Shot on location in Orono, Saving Black Bear is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that celebrates the communities that shape us. The film tells the story of a fictionalized Black Bear Cinemas facing hard times, and the misfit employees who fight to save the independent theater that brought them together. Off-screen, Mainers rallied to make the film a reality, showcasing the strong community support that the brothers believe makes Maine special.
The cast includes the Cassidy Brothers, who hail from South Portland and Cape Elizabeth, along with South Portland native Julia Steady and legendary character actor Xander Berkeley, a Cornish resident known for roles in Terminator 2, Apollo 13, and The Walking Dead. The film's production was made possible in part by Zach Hussey, owner of Black Bear Cinemas, who offered the theater as a shooting location after the brothers screened Childish Things there.
Director Nick Cassidy emphasized the importance of community support, stating, "Community support like that is what makes Maine special and made Saving Black Bear possible." Producer Cash Cassidy echoed this sentiment, noting, "I've seen too many people waste years waiting for permission from Hollywood to succeed in the movie business. We knew there had to be another way, so we took a chance, and we found it here at home."
After a sneak preview at the Vacationland Film Festival in Biddeford on August 23rd, Saving Black Bear will have its World Premiere at Black Bear Cinemas in Orono on September 9th, followed by a Portland Premiere (sponsored by StreamState) at O'Maine Studios on September 13th. For more information on additional screenings, visit savingblackbear.com.
