Maine's Cassidy Brothers Debut 'Saving Black Bear' in Local Cinemas
Maine Filmmakers the Cassidy Brothers are set to release their new film "Saving Black Bear" in select Maine cinemas this September. The film was shot on location at the real Black Bear Cinemas in Orono, Maine, with a majority Maine-based cast & crew. Both the theatrical run and the film itself are triumphs of grassroots efforts.
Orono, Maine (Newsworthy.ai) Friday Aug 7, 2026 @ 9:00 AM EDT
The cast of Saving Black Bear pose for a group photo in the lobby of Black Bear Cinemas
Photo: Photo by Stephanie Bongiovi
“On-screen, the film tells the tale of a fictionalized Black Bear Cinemas in hard times and the misfit employees who fight to save the independent theater that brought them together. Off-screen, Mainers came together to make this film a reality.”
When Nick and Cash Cassidy brought their movie Childish Things home to Maine last year, they knew they'd found something special. The movie business they'd learned from time in Hollywood asked them to wait their turn, trust the system, and beg acceptance from film distributors if they wanted their movie to be seen. But hosting their own screenings in the community that raised them - and packing the theaters - proved there was a better way. So with their next film, the brothers doubled down on Maine.
The cast of Saving Black Bear pose for a group photo in the lobby of Black Bear Cinemas
Photo: Photo by Stephanie Bongiovi
“On-screen, the film tells the tale of a fictionalized Black Bear Cinemas in hard times and the misfit employees who fight to save the independent theater that brought them together. Off-screen, Mainers came together to make this film a reality.”
Shot on location in Orono, Saving Black Bear is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that celebrates the communities that shape us. On-screen, the film tells the tale of a fictionalized Black Bear Cinemas in hard times and the misfit employees who fight to save the independent theater that brought them together. Off-screen, Mainers came together to make this film a reality.
In addition to the Cassidy Brothers, who hail from South Portland and Cape Elizabeth, Saving Black Bear stars South Portland native Julia Steady and legendary character actor Xander Berkeley, a Cornish resident known for Terminator 2, Apollo 13, and The Walking Dead.
"Zach Hussey, the owner of Black Bear Cinemas, offered to let us shoot something in his theater when we screened Childish Things with him last year. Community support like that is what makes Maine special and made Saving Black Bear possible," says director Nick Cassidy.
"I've seen too many people waste years waiting for permission from Hollywood to succeed in the movie business. We knew there had to be another way, so we took a chance, and we found it here at home," says producer Cash Cassidy.
Now, after a sneak preview at the Vacationland Film Festival in Biddeford on August 23rd, Saving Black Bear will return to Black Bear Cinemas in Orono for its World Premiere on September 9th, then continue to its Portland Premiere (sponsored by StreamState) at O'Maine Studios on September 13th. AdFor more information on additional screenings, visit savingblackbear.com.bsp;
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the latest film project by Cassidy Pictures?
- The latest film project by Cassidy Pictures is 'Saving Black Bear,' set to release in select Maine cinemas this September. The film was shot on location at Black Bear Cinemas in Orono, Maine, and features a predominantly Maine-based cast and crew.
- Where and when is 'Saving Black Bear' premiering?
- 'Saving Black Bear' will have its World Premiere at Black Bear Cinemas in Orono on September 9th. The Portland Premiere, sponsored by StreamState, will take place at O'Maine Studios on September 13th.
- What new films is Xander Berkeley involved in?
- Xander Berkeley stars in the new independent film 'Saving Black Bear,' which was shot in Orono, Maine. The film is a coming-of-age comedy-drama by the Cassidy Brothers, set to premiere in September 2026.
Media Contact
Cassidy Pictures does not have any other recent news to report at this time.