The Berkshire International Film Festival board of directors and board of advisors have donated nearly $70,000 to help with the renovation of the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The gift was presented to Nicki Wilson, president and Hannah Wilken, vice-president of Triplex Cinema, Inc., the official name of the grassroots group Save the Triplex.
“As the home of the Berkshire International Film Festival for the last 18 years, the BIFF boards are very proud to support this incredible effort led by Nicki and Hannah,” said the founder and artistic director of BIFF, Kelley Vickery. “We are thrilled that the Triplex has been saved and that not only will BIFF continue to have a home for years to come, but also our community will have a cultural heart space that was created by Richard Stanley nearly 30 years ago.”
Pat Fili-Krushel, BIFF board chair said, “Speaking on behalf of my fellow board members, we appreciate not only the support of the Triplex Cinema from the inception of the BIFF, but the value the Triplex contributes to the entire Berkshire community. We are proud to contribute to the Save the Triplex organization. BIFF’s mission – to be a world-class, creative, and community-based film festival – aligns with the goals of the Save The Triplex organization and the effort to reopen this valued cultural resource.”
Triplex Cinema, Inc. finalized the purchase of the Triplex from Stanley on July 24th. Since that time, the organization has been working diligently inside to get the theatre ready for a soft opening in November as it continues to raise the money to complete the purchase and get the renovations of the theatre completed.
Wilson said “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of this gift from the BIFF boards. It will help us to repair, renovate and reinvigorate the Triplex that we have all come to know and love. We are looking forward to hosting the BIFF in the spring and their environmental series. It is truly wonderful and a reflection of our community when the local nonprofits come together and support each other to enrich the lives of all of us in Berkshire County.”
BIFF has been actively involved in helping the Save the Triplex team in the hopes of raising funds and awareness for their cause – including inviting Berkshire resident and world-renowned photographer Gregory Crewdson to this year’s Opening Night at BIFF where he presented the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of a print of local actress Lauren Ambrose to support the Triplex. That effort raised $225,000.
Wilken added, “It is Triplex Cinema, Inc.’s mission to celebrate the Triplex as a community hub, open to serving all of Berkshire County as an intergenerational, socio-economically diverse, year-round film center. Thanks to the generous support of BIFF, we are one step closer to reopening the doors to our beloved cinema.”