The sixth annual Centre Film Festival recently wrapped after bringing nearly 200 thought-provoking independent films spanning multiple genres and formats to audiences in theatres throughout Happy Valley, PA, as well as to virtual audiences throughout the Commonwealth.

For the community, the festival has grown to become a hub for innovative storytelling. For The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) and the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance (HVSEA), the festival provides an unparalleled platform to forge relationships with filmmakers and industry professionals, while promoting Centre County as a premier film-friendly destination.

For the second year, the HVAB and the HVSEA hosted nearly 50 visiting filmmakers for a strategic networking breakfast and familiarization tour of the county on the final weekend of the festival. The event enabled local leaders to engage with filmmakers and discuss the region’s unique appeal, resources and supportive infrastructure for future projects. This includes Happy Valley’s built-in talent pipeline and burgeoning film ecosystem, which provide a solid foundation from which to stimulate, encourage and encourage film, television and other video production in the county.

It provided the opportunity to highlight the area’s scenic beauty and compelling film sites, and highlight the independent films being made here now. In the months leading up to this year’s festival, five films were produced in the county, with three of those sponsored by the HVAB in some capacity. Most notably, this was through technical support and assistance from HVAB Film Production Manager Pablo Lopez, a certified film commissioner through the Association of Film Commissioners International. Two additional film projects are currently in production.

The event also was a chance to spark collaboration and partnerships between local entities and filmmakers.

The lasting connections between filmmakers and the region are vital as the HVAB and HVSEA look to grow the film industry, spurring economic and cultural growth, and job creation in the process.

Beyond the Centre Film Festival’s impact, the HVAB and HVSEA are developing a strategic plan that provides a clear roadmap for attracting film projects, including potential incentives, location scouting and logistical support, as well as working with other stakeholders to create a sustainable film production ecosystem

Our two organizations are also forging a closer relationship with the Pennsylvania Film Office, and Film Commissioner Gino Pesi. We appreciate Pesi’s bold vision to collaboratively grow and strengthen the overall film industry in Pennsylvania, and we look forward to supporting the Shapiro Administration’s plans to become more competitive and attract our share of film, television, and commercial production while creating many more jobs.

As we reflect on the recent (and ongoing) film activity throughout the region, and the re-energized state focus on the industry, it is clear there is untapped potential right here in Happy Valley with regard to film and television production.

The 2024 Centre Film Festival and its growing prestige are in the books. However, the exciting work to build on the momentum to cultivate Happy Valley’s reputation as a key player in the Pennsylvania film industry and as a film-friendly community continues.

Fritz Smith is President and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.