UCPAC FILM FEST PANELISTS ANNOUNCED
Area film blogger, cosplayers, and podcasters to lead informative and inspiring conversations at second annual event on May 17.
RAHWAY, NJ –Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is excited to announce that Dehlia Scott, “Media Matinees” film blogger and Union County resident; Cassidy Wells and Christine Rose, award-winning New Jersey cosplayers; and Dina Grilli and Michelle Maccarone, co-hosts of “The Flanacast” podcast will be panelists for day two of UCPAC’s second annual Film Fest on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at UCPAC’s Main Stage. Panel discussions begin at 12:30 p.m. and will take place backstage at the historic theater in the Chorus Room, where scenes from the Netflix feature “Beauty” were filmed. This intimate atmosphere is conducive to meaningful and entertaining conversations about film as an art form and the impact it has on audiences.
“The art of motion pictures goes beyond filmmaking; it’s about bringing folks together, expanding your worldview, and sharing human experiences. Our panels are a creative space to build community by meeting innovative and inspiring filmmakers, fans, and artists.”
Whitney Curry, UCPAC Film Fest Coordinator
Curry is available for interviews which can be coordinated by emailing Lynn Patmalnee, UCPAC’s Marketing Manager.
UCPAC Film Fest Panel Schedule:
12:30-1:30 p.m.: “Hot Takes to Essays” with blogger Dehlia Scott (@mediamatinees)
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with stories,” says Scott. “… Anything that could transport me into worlds with ghosts, magic, time travel, crazy mysteries, epic romances, and scandal. The best part has always been the ability to bring someone along for the ride.” In this lively conversation, Scott shares how to create your own platform to share your hot takes and reviews, and find community.
2 PM – 3 p.m.: “Historical Costuming in Movies & TV’ with cosplayers Cassidy Wells (@horrorqueencosplay) and Christine Rose (@cozymonkeycosplay)
When asked about the importance of historical costuming in media, award-winning cosplayer Wells says, “We can learn so much about the past from how garments are constructed and what materials are used. From the Vikings to the Victorians, each piece tells a story without words. The visual cues and construction designs can influence an audience’s perception of a story or character in a film or TV show by just a glance.”
3:30 PM – 4:30 p.m. “Horror as a Reflection of Grief: The Work of Mike Flanagan” with Dina Grilli and Michelle Maccarone, co-hosts of “The Flanacast” (@flanacastpod)
Podcast co-hosts and self-proclaimed “Flanafans” analyze the work of acclaimed horror writer/director Mike Flanagan and his motif of exploring grief through horror. Expect a passionate and deep conversation, with space for everyone’s opinions, and a welcoming vibe.
“All these panelists connect with film from a community and fandom-based point of view – a perspective not always considered unless the conversation surrounds box office sales,” explains Curry. “Part of celebrating the art of motion pictures includes the long-lasting impressions left on audiences and its ability to inspire others to add to the conversation, become creators themselves, and find deeper meaning in the media they consume.”
In addition to the panels, UCPAC Film Fest passholders will be able to enjoy independent short film screenings in the following categories starting at 11 a.m.:
- Indie (Non-Student)
- Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy
- Drama
- Comedy
- Action/Thriller/Mystery
- Non-Fiction (Documentary)
- Experimental/Musical/Music Video
- High School Student
- College Student
TThe day will culminate in an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. honoring outstanding submissions. Watch the UCPAC Film Fest trailer here: https://ucpac.org/event/ucpac-film-fest-2025
UCPAC Film Fest takes place on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, 2025. Two-day festival passes are $50 and include all the events above, as well as admission to UCPAC Film Fest’s opening ceremony featuring keynote speaker Lamar Mackson and a digital screening of “Singin’ in the Rain” at UCPAC’s Main Stage in Rahway on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7 p.m.. Students receive a $10 discount on festival passes by using their school’s discount code or presenting ID at UCPAC’s Box Office. Visit https://tinyurl.com/ucpacfilmfestpass to purchase.
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating the Main Stage, built in 1928 and listed in both the State and National Register of Historic Places, at 1601 Irving St., and the modern and intimate Hamilton Stage, at 360 Hamilton St., in the heart of Rahway, New Jersey’s Arts District.
The UCPAC Film Fest pays homage to the Main Stage’s rich history of presenting movies to the local community. Established as a Film Palace in 1928, the Main Stage’s tradition of showcasing beloved films continues today with UCPAC’s Third Thursdays 35mm & Classic Film Series. To learn more, visit ucpac.org.
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