Premiere of 'Candlewood' brings taste of Hollywood to town

By Deborah Rose

A bit of Hollywood has hit New Milford. 

The red carpet was rolled out in front of Bank Street Theater the evening of Jan. 27 for the world premiere of the long-anticipated psychological thriller “Candlewood.”

The film was written, produced and directed by two local filmmakers – Myke Furhman (director and producer) and Victoria Flores-Argue (writer and executive producer). It was filmed exclusively in town (for a complete story on the filmmakers and the process, click here).

The cast and crew, along with their friends and families and a limited number of guests, arrived at the theater donning formalwear – sophisticated and sparkling dresses, wraps, high heels, and suits. 

Attendees greeted one another with hugs and congratulatory remarks before stepping onto the red carpet to have their photograph taken by photographer Peter Argue, who prompted cast and crew, alike, to strike a pose.

Furhman, dressed in an all-black suit, and Flores-Argue, wearing a long red dress, kept busy tending to arriving guests.

Local residents dining in nearby Bank Street restaurants caught glimpses of the camera’s flashing lights outside the theater, while others gathered in small groups to watch the excitement from across the street.

A small group of residents gathered on the balcony of a second-story apartment next to the theater, overlooking all the buzz.

After having their photo taken, the cast mingled with others.

“It’s really exciting because we worked really hard on the film,” actor Coulter Ibanez, 13, said of how he felt to be attending the world premiere. 

Coulter, dressed more casually than other cast members - he wore jeans, a pullover shirt and sneakers – was accompanied by his parents for the premiere.

Actress Lisann Valentin expressed she was “nervous” to see the film because it would be the first time seeing it all completed. 

A proud Liba Furhman, the mother of director-producer Myke Furhman, made her way along the sidewalk in front of the theater with a permanent smile as she chatted with friends.

“I’m really excited,” was all she could relay of how she felt attending the event before being called away to talk to arriving guests.

The film’s makeup artist, Meaghan Elliot, of Meaghan Elliot Artistry, was happy to introduce event guests to her rescue dog, Bean, who she quipped is the “star of the film.”

Elliot hugged Bean while family members took their photo, a keepsake of the important event.

The makeup artist, who wore a short black and gold dress, described what it was like for her growing up in nearby Sandy Hook and moving away to pursue a professional career, yet somehow returning back to her roots for this film.

“It’s come full circle,” she said. “There’s nothing better than this….working on a project where you grew up.”

As Elliot turned to greet fellow crew members, she quipped, “I can’t wait to see my zombies come to life.”

Valentin said she enjoyed the month of filming she did in New Milford because she “got a real feel for the town.”

“It was warm and welcoming,” the actress said, noting how she dined at local restaurants just across the street from the theater.

She pointed out the irony of filming a psychological thriller in a town that is “so beautiful.”

Both Valentin and Coulter said they would welcome the opportunity to return to New Milford again.

New Milford has been a popular location for numerous films, especially in recent years. 

Deborah Rose/New Milford's hometown movie theater, Bank Street Theater, readies itself for the world premiere of "Candlewood" Jan. 27.

Deborah Rose/New Milford native Myke Furhman makes his directorial debut in "Candlewood."

Deborah Rose/Members of Writer-Executive Producer Victoria Flores-Argue's family were in attendance. They are, from left to right, her mother, Lucy Luna, of New Preston, her daughter, Alexandra, and he nephew, Juan Gonzalez.

Deborah Rose/Resident Diane Klaiff, left, accompanies Liba Furhman, mother of director-producer Myke Furhman, to the premiere.

Deborah Rose/Writer-Executive Producer Victoria Flores-Argue is congratulated on her work on the film by resident and State Representative Bill Buckbee, of the 67th District).

Deborah Rose/Actress Lisann Valentin works the red carpet.

Deborah Rose/Some of the cast of "Candlewood."

Deborah Rose/Director-Producer Myke Furhman is shown above with his mother, Liba Furhman.

Deborah Rose/The filmmakers and some of the cast are shown here, on the red carpet outside Bank Street Theater.

Deborah Rose/Actor Coulter Ibanez, left, joins "Candlewood" director-producer Myke Furhman on the red carpet for the movie's world premiere Jan. 27 at Bank Street Theater in New Milford.

Deborah Rose/Photographer Peter Argue captures the humor of Hamilton Brower of New Milford and his friends on the red carpet.

Deborah Rose/Myke Furhman admires the time leading up to the world premiere of the first film he has directed.

Deborah Rose/Bank Street in New Milford was a happening place Jan. 27.

Deborah Rose/A variety of footwear was worn for the opening.