Maine's Cassidy Brothers are set to premiere their latest film, 'Saving Black Bear,' in local theaters, marking a continued commitment to independent filmmaking outside the Hollywood system. The film, shot on location in Orono, is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that celebrates the communities that shape us. On-screen, it tells the story of a fictionalized Black Bear Cinemas in hard times and the misfit employees who fight to save the independent theater that brought them together. Off-screen, Mainers came together to make the film a reality, showcasing the power of local support in the creative industry.
The brothers, Nick and Cash Cassidy, who hail from South Portland and Cape Elizabeth, previously brought their movie 'Childish Things' home to Maine last year. They had learned the movie business in Hollywood, where they were told to wait their turn, trust the system, and beg acceptance from film distributors. However, hosting their own screenings in the community that raised them—and packing the theaters—proved there was a better way. With 'Saving Black Bear,' they doubled down on Maine, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
The film stars 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.' Their involvement adds a layer of star power while remaining rooted in the local community.
Director Nick Cassidy credits the film's success to community support. 'Zach Hussey, the owner of Black Bear Cinemas, offered to let us shoot something in his theater when we screened 'Childish Things' with him last year. Community support like that is what makes Maine special and made 'Saving Black Bear' possible,' he said. Producer Cash Cassidy echoed this sentiment, noting that they have seen too many people waste years waiting for permission from Hollywood. 'We knew there had to be another way, so we took a chance, and we found it here at home,' he added.
The film's journey to the big screen has been unconventional but effective. After a sneak preview at the Vacationland Film Festival in Biddeford on August 23rd, 'Saving Black Bear' will return to Black Bear Cinemas in Orono for its World Premiere on September 9th. It will then continue to its Portland Premiere, sponsored by StreamState, at O'Maine Studios on September 13th. For more information on additional screenings, visit savingblackbear.com.
This release highlights a growing trend of filmmakers bypassing traditional distribution channels to connect directly with audiences. By leveraging local partnerships and community enthusiasm, the Cassidy Brothers are demonstrating that independent films can thrive outside the Hollywood ecosystem. Their success could inspire other filmmakers to explore alternative distribution models, particularly in regions with strong local identities. The film's focus on saving an independent theater also resonates with broader conversations about the importance of small businesses and cultural institutions in communities across the country.
As 'Saving Black Bear' makes its rounds in Maine, it serves as a testament to the power of grassroots support in the arts. The Cassidy Brothers have not only created a film but have also fostered a sense of community involvement that may have lasting effects on local filmmaking. Their approach could pave the way for more community-centric productions, where the line between storyteller and audience becomes blurred, creating a shared experience that benefits all involved.
