Triplex Cinema Hires Amy Handelsman as Executive Director

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Triplex Cinema has hired Amy Handelsman as its Executive Director. 
 
Handelsman has assumed her new position and will oversee all aspects of Triplex operations.
 
Nicki Wilson, President of the Triplex Board of Directors, stated that Handelsman's experience will be an asset to the Triplex.
 
"We are thrilled to have someone with such a wide range of experience join the ‘new’ Triplex as our first Executive Director. We have accomplished so much since we reopened 15 months ago and we look forward to Amy’s leadership to take us further in the coming years," she said.
 
Wilson also stated that completing the restoration of the fourth screen is a major goal for the coming year. This restoration will allow the Triplex to offer more films and thematic programming. Handelsman will lead the fundraising and development efforts for this project and other projects.
 
Handelsman's background includes serving as the Managing Director of Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox and experience in business development, strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and fiscal and operational matters at arts-oriented non-profits.
 
Handelsman's prior experience includes working as a story analyst for Warner Bros., United Artists, and Paramount Pictures, and developing and producing movies for CBS, FOX, HBO, and Showtime.
 
Handelsman said she is looking forward to joining the staff and Board of Directors at the Triplex and continuing the work of providing "movies for all." She also stated that there are plans to create a cultural hub with readings, live music, art exhibitions, and a redesigned outdoor patio.
 
"I am so excited to be joining the dedicated and talented staff and Board of Directors at the Triplex, and to continue the work of the larger community in providing 'movies for all.' We have great plans in the works to create a true cultural hub. In addition to the stimulating programming and talkbacks, we'll have readings, live music, art exhibitions, and festive evenings on a newly designed outdoor patio. As we expand, we welcome the continued support of our valued patrons," Handelsman said.
 
Handelsman will work with Ben Elliott, Triplex Creative Director, to continue offering diverse cinema programming. Current screenings include a celebration of the life of David Lynch and " '75 at 50," a year-long look at films released in 1975. The Triplex will also continue partnerships with local organizations, including Jacob’s Pillow, The Berkshire Coop, No Comply Foods, Boondocks Film Society, and Temple Ahavath Sholom.
 
Triplex Cinema, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides film entertainment, including first-run, independent, foreign language, classic, children’s, and documentary films. The Triplex also showcases locally produced films and thematic programming and partners with schools and local non-profits for community programming.
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Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
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