BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A documentary film celebrating nearly five decades of artistic transformation in Bethlehem will premiere Father’s Day at Zoellner Arts Center.
“Rooted”, a 75-minute film exploring how artists and community shaped each other in post-industrial Bethlehem, debuts at 2 p.m. June 15th in Baker Hall.
The documentary follows artists who dedicated their lives to creating within the community, detailing challenges faced and lessons learned as Bethlehem evolved from a steel town to an arts hub following the decline of steelmaking in the mid-1970s.
“Rooted traces the fascinating, complex, personal, and compelling drama, working alone and often side by side together over decades,” said Bill George, co-founder of Touchstone Theatre and project member. “It shows how place becomes crucial to identity, voice, catharsis, and a revitalized community.”
The film represents a collaboration between regional artists, including Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels Folk Music Club, Bridget George of Bach Choir of Bethlehem and Touchstone Theatre, Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, and filmmaker Aidan Gilrain McKenna.
Production began in September 2024 with tree planting ceremonies at seven locations significant to Bethlehem’s artistic development, including Touchstone Theatre, the IceHouse Performing Arts Center, and Godfrey Daniels.
The documentary draws from over 200 hours of interviews, archival footage, music, and photographs documenting how more than 30 cultural nonprofits, numerous galleries, festivals, and creative businesses took root in the city.
With a budget of approximately $50,000, public fundraising for the documentary continues. Following its premiere, “Rooted” will eventually be housed at Lehigh University Libraries’ Special Collections as a resource for future generations.
A trailer for the film can be viewed below.
