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Colin Bemis, who grew up on Brown Street and attended the Assumption School, will be directing his first feature "Peekskill" this fall.
The movie is about a married photographer who develops a relationship with a young woman after they connect on Instragram.
"It's a morality tale that revolves around social media," Bemis said.
Bemis said he has received an unbelievable reception from the city since he decided to film his movie in the there. He said he might do some filming in Cortlandt.
"Business owners see it as an opportunity," Bemis said. "It gives the film a real community element."
Bemis said he had to make "Peekskill" after writing it, saying the story really grabbed him.
"All of this shouted at me," Bemis said. "I saw things I didn't know were there. It looks at the male role and female role and what that means today in relationships."
Being able to film in his hometown is a real dream come true for Bemis.
"Peekskill has such great atmosphere," Bemis said. "It fits the film perfectly. It's architecture makes it such a beautiful city. It's a character in the film. It's a real honor to film in the city."
"Peekskill" will play the film festival circuit after its completed with Bemis hoping to screen the film at Paramount Hudson Valley.
Movies like "The Toxic Avenger" have filmed in Peekskill as well as the TV show "Girls." The 80s sitcom "The Facts of Life" was set in the city.
When in Peekskill, Bemis said he enjoys going to the Peekskill Coffee House and dining at Ruben's Mexican Cafe. He also is a big fan of the Peekskill Brewery and Birdsall House.
"My goal is to highlight this great place, the place of my youth, by shooting here, bringing money and a spotlight on this burgeoning city, and making this a true community film," Bemis said.
Bemis said his favorite directors are Ingmar Bergman, Stanley Kubrik, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and Paul Thomas Anderson. His favorite actors and actresses include Bill Murray, Greta Gerwig and Amy Adams.
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