Category: Entertainment

BRIDGEPORT FILM FEST CELEBRATES 5 YEARS WITH GLOBAL CINEMA,
LOCAL STORIES, AND FAMILY FRIENDLY VENDOR VILLAGE
FAMILY-FRIENDLY VENDOR VILLAGE, WORKSHOPS, PANELS, AND A STAR-STUDDED CT
PREMIERE HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL AT THE KLEIN MEMORIAL IN SEPTEMBER
BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
than ever! Now in its 5th anniversary year, this three-day celebration of cinema will transform the
city into a hub of storytelling, culture, and connection. With the support of City Lights /
Bridgeport Art Trail as fiduciary sponsor, the fest continues its mission of lifting up diverse voices
while putting Bridgeport on the global film map.
This year’s lineup features over 95 short and feature films from 12 countries, spanning genres,
cultures, and generations. Audiences can expect to discover fresh perspectives from local
Connecticut filmmakers, alongside powerful shorts from New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and
Philadelphia, as well as thought-provoking stories from across the globe including Australia, the
UK, Spain, Iran, Palestine, Italy and France, among others.
Spotlight Feature Film: Queens of the Dead
Saturday evening at 6:00 PM, the festival proudly presents the Connecticut premiere of the indie
queer horror-comedy Queens of the Dead, directed by Tina Romero, daughter of horror icon
Georger Romero, and starring Jaquel Spivey, Katy O’Brian, Margaret Cho, Jack Haven, and
Cheyenne Jackson. The film made its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025,
and now makes its highly anticipated Connecticut premiere in Bridgeport. Outrageous, heartfelt,
and genre-bending, Queens of the Dead is poised to be one of the festival’s most talked-about
screenings!
Beyond the Screen
● Panels & Conversations: Creative Hustle: Making Moves, Making Connections, hosted in
collaboration with the Connecticut Film and TV Alliance, explores how filmmakers and
creatives can build genuine networks and claim their seat at the table. With strategies,
inspiration, and insider advice, this panel offers tools to strengthen your creative journey.
● Directing Actors Workshop: Led by Victor Verhaeghe (Boardwalk Empire, Bridge of
Spies, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), this interactive session gives emerging filmmakers
hands-on tools for collaborating with actors and bringing scenes to life.
● Vendor Village: A family-friendly festival favorite, the Vendor Village offers local vendors,
food trucks, live entertainment, and more—all completely free and open to the public.
This community hub creates space for families and film lovers to gather, shop, and celebrate creativity together.

● Venues: The festival’s home base is the historic Klein Memorial Auditorium, with
additional screenings and events at CT State Community College at Housatonic and
BPT Creates, deepening community ties across the city.
Jurors Who Know Storytelling
A prestigious jury will select this year’s winners, including:
● Eugen Bräunig, producer ( Netflix’s Harry and Meghan, Welcome to Chechnya)
● Nicholas Bruckman, director (Minted, Netflix’s The Price of Milk)
● Laurence Caso, Emmy Award-winning producer and Executive Director of The Klein
● Nettie Marquez, award-winning filmmaker and founder of Ofelia Media Productions, LLC
● Elisha Miranda-Ramirez, writer, director, producer, and professor at San Jose University
● Lorna James-Rodriguez, producer with the 48 Hour Film Project New Haven
Celebrate in Style
The weekend wraps up with a lively closing party at Berlinetta Brewing in downtown Bridgeport,
sponsored by Colorful Bridgeport/DSSD—a chance for filmmakers, film lovers, and community
members to toast five years of storytelling and connection.
A Word from Jason A. Coombs, the Co-Founder / Executive Director
“We are overjoyed to celebrate five years of cinematic storytelling that continues to
unify our community and reshape the narrative of Bridgeport,” says Jason A.
Coombs, Co-Founder & Executive Director. “What started as a local dream has
become a cultural force, bringing filmmakers from across the globe while making
sure our local voices shine just as brightly. This milestone isn’t just about looking
back—it’s about launching forward into the next chapter of creativity, collaboration,
and impact.”
Tickets & Info
The 5th Annual Bridgeport Film Fest runs September 12–14, 2025. Tickets are available now at
Klein.org or directly at the Klein Memorial Auditorium box office. More information, including the
full schedule, can be found at BridgeportFilmFest.org.

Bridgeport, CT – The Klein Memorial Auditorium today marked a historic milestone with the ribbon cutting for the first building addition in its 85-year history. The $3.8 million expansion—funded primarily by the State Bonding Commission with additional support from the City of Bridgeport—adds an elevator, a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a conference room, and three new offices.

The project also continues a decade-long transformation of The Klein, which began in 2016 with major technical upgrades, new carpeting, and the installation of a large exterior digital sign. Those earlier improvements—including new lighting, audio, and video projection systems—have significantly reduced production costs, expanded programming, and helped attract events like the Bridgeport Film Festival, which The Klein has hosted since its inception in 2021.

“Today we unveil more than just bricks and mortar—we’re unveiling a new chapter in The Klein’s story,” said Executive Director Laurence Caso. “Our new wing increases accessibility and provides much-needed space for our operations and arts education programs. Just as our technical upgrades have fueled more performances and economic activity, these enhancements will greatly improve the patron experience for the 70,000 people who attend events here each year.”

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Senator Marilyn Moore, Senator Herron Gaston, representatives from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Bridgeport city officials, and community leaders joined Caso for the ceremony.

“This is the first expansion of The Klein since it opened in 1940,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “It’s a place that has hosted legends like Ray Charles, The Temptations, and B.B. King, as well as historic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The state’s investment ensures this cultural gem remains a vibrant hub for arts, education, and community for decades to come.”

Senator Moore, who played a key role in securing additional funding after construction costs rose post-pandemic, reflected on the theater’s community impact: “This was one of the projects I knew was important for all of Bridgeport. The Klein inspires both young and old, and the opportunities it provides for our youth can change lives.”

The new elevator now provides access to the mezzanine level, including the art gallery, which features rotating exhibits by local artists. The Klein’s after-school and summer program, Klein Theatre Arts (KTA), serves dozens of Bridgeport children each season, teaching theater, dance, music, and film. With the expansion, KTA plans to add writing workshops and other creative programs.

“This addition isn’t just about better facilities—it’s about giving the next generation the tools, space, and encouragement to dream bigger,” said KTA Director Tennessee Davis, a Bridgeport native and professional actor.

The celebration continues tonight with the second performance of KTA’s summer production, Fame Jr., open to the public.

For more information about upcoming shows, visit www.theklein.org.