Big Bear Film Festival Archives - Five Star Vacation Rental

Big Bear Film Festival Arrives September 20th-22nd

The fourteenth annual Big Bear Lake International Film Festival will be rolling out the red carpet on the weekend of September 20th through the 22nd. The festival has earned rave reviews over the years including being named as one of the top 50 film festivals world wide. That’s quite an honor considering there are nearly 5000 different festivals around the globe each year. If you’re a film maker or a film buff, it’s one of the most exciting events of the year, and a must-see.

This year’s festival promises to continue the traditional mix of independent feature-length films, documentaries, student films, High School student films, short films, family films, animation, 3-D Short Films, films made by Big Bear locals, and a screenwriting competition. Juried and audience film awards will be presented. Aspiring filmmakers will be given the opportunity to attend lectures by industry professionals and participate in networking events. The festival draws some of Hollywood’s best and brightest, so don’t be surprised if you spot one of your favorite stars strolling the street this weekend.

The film festival is of particular interest to us here at Five Star Vacation Rentals, because a member of our family of properties has actually appeared at the festival. Our cabin #1 on the slopes at Bear Mountain played a supporting role in the recent indie film, “A Separate Life.” Many of the interiors were filmed in the cabin, and several key scenes were filmed on the porch. We’re still busting with pride about it. The film went on to win a number of awards as an indie film, and is now under development for mainstream release. We feel like very proud parents indeed. You can watch the film’s trailer at this link.

Of course our serious film buffs will want to be sure to reserve this cabin-turned-movie-star right away to round out the full experience of the weekend film festival. But if that one is reserved before you get a chance to grab it, don’t despair. We’ve got a few dozen other luxurious Big Bear vacation rental cabins and estates to choose from. If you’re serious about breaking into the film industry, you’ll make a much better impression pitching your script around the fireplace in your luxury cabin than you will in the noisy lobby of a crowded hotel. We recommend you make your plans early, as we’re anticipating we’ll be fully booked that weekend. Call us at 310-780-3411 and we’ll help you find the perfect cabin or estate for your getaway.

And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway. Here are links to our other properties in Park City, Utah, Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

Oktoberfest Is Just Around the Corner. Book Your Vacation Rental Cabin Early

We’re getting a jump on September events in Big Bear, because the month is packed with some of our most popular of the year. If you’ve never visited Big Bear during September, it’s a real treat as the leaves begin to turn with the evenings become cooler. And every September we’re excited to welcome back Southern California’s most popular Oktoberfest celebration.

Big Bear’s first Oktoberfest was celebrated back in 1971, and it grows in popularity and attendance each year. This year’s celebration commences September 14th and continues for 7 consecutive weekends through October 27th. Many of our guests make it an annual rite of fall to reserve their favorite cabin and spend some time drinking in (literally and figuratively!) the fun and culture of the event. Once you attend, you’ll soon see why.

This year’s celebration will continue the tradition of offering some of the world’s finest German beers, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and apple strudel. Big Bear prides itself as one of the country’s most authentic Oktoberfests with much of the cuisine and brews created by German brewers, bakers, and butchers. The list of tasty ales keeps expanding each year, and you can count on finding brews ranging from traditional German varieties to yummy flavored beers including lemonade, pumpkin, raspberry and more. You haven’t fully lived until you’ve sampled a steaming hot fresh bratwurst washed down with an icy cold authentic German beer. If you’re not drooling, check your pulse.

And you’ll have plenty of opportunity to work off your meals with lots of dancing and unique shopping booths to stroll through as well. If you’ve been searching for an excuse to break out your lederhosen and get down to some serious German fun, this is it.

Oktoberfest is always a busy time for us here at Five Star Vacation Rentals, so we recommend that you get your reservation in early. And be sure to ask about a discount for weekly rentals if you want to stay longer to enjoy some of the other September events. Check back for next Friday’s blog with details about this year’s Big Bear International Film Festival.

You can view all our Big Bear cabins at this link, or call us at a 310-780-3411. We’ll be happy to help you put together the ideal Oktoberfest getaway. And while Big Bear is certainly our favorite spot to celebrate Oktoberfest, you can also enjoy great beer and fine dining at any of our other destinations including Park City, Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of which one of our luxury getaway locations you choose, you can be assured that we’re working to make sure your vacation will be one you’ll want to repeat again every year.

More Fun Events in Big Bear for May

In last week’s blog, we detailed a few of the great events happening in Big Bear during May. You can see that blog at this link. But we really only covered a handful of the fun things you’ll have to do during your stay with us in May.

We mentioned it last week, but it bears repeating. May 12th is Mother’s Day, and it’s time you really showed her how much you appreciate all she does for you. We understand that our wives often do things for us out of a sense of duty. And other times their actions are simply because they love us. You don’t have to be Dr. Phil to realize that if you take this opportunity to provide her with a spectacular demonstration of how much you really love her, she’ll have more of her thoughts toward you filled with love rather than duty. Trust us. The loving thoughts are much, much better. You really need to do this. Call us at 310-780-3411 to book your getaway for Mother’s Day. But don’t delay. We often sell out over that weekend. Use this link to explore all of our luxury Big Bear estate cabins.

Region capture 2 — Get a Scare in Big Bear!

Returning for its third year on May 18th and 19th is the Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center (39707 Big Bear Blvd). This is just too much fun. If you enjoy campy, funny, and occasionally terrifying films, you’ve really got to be here for this one. The events include panel discussions with the film makers and past years have seen some famous actors showing up as well. If you’re a film buff, a film maker, or just want to have some great fun, be sure to get your tickets for this one. You can get more details and a calendar of events on their website at www.bigbearhorrorfilmfest.com.

And for all you runners out there, be sure to book your stay for the Big Bear Lake Memorial 5K Fun Run to Benefit “Wounded Warrior Project.” The 5k Fun Run is set to take place Sunday May 26, 2013 in The Village of Big Bear Lake, CA. The 3.1 mile road run starts in The Village and takes you through some of the scenic areas and neighborhoods of Big Bear. It’s a great way to support a great cause. Visit www.bigbearfunrun.com for more details.

Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. If you’re planning a getaway somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable. Don’t risk your precious vacation time by booking anywhere else!

Five Star Vacation Rentals Cabin Featured in New Film

InCabinFilming2 — Filming in our kitchen

We’re so excited about this, we can barely sit still. We received a phone call today from filmmaker Jillian O’Neil. She rented our Big Bear cabin #1 a while ago to use in a new film she was making, “A Separate Life.” And today she calls us to let us know the film was finished a while ago, and will be featured in the upcoming Big Bear Film Festival. Watch a trailer for the movie at this link. You’ll note that our cabin did not once flub its lines.

The film has turned out to be quite a success, and movie goers all around the world have been watching Jillian’s compelling drama acted out in our lovely cabin. The film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, and Jillian won the Best New Director award from the Action On Film International Film Festival last summer. But as much as we love Jillian’s new film, we just couldn’t take our eyes off that lovely cabin in the background. . . . But don’t you expect that from us?

Jillian told us that her film is on the schedule at the Big Bear Film Festival for September 16th, and as we write this blog, the starring cabin is still available for that weekend. For all you film buffs out there, how cool would that be to go see the movie and then spend the weekend in the cabin where it was filmed? Call us right away at 310-780-3411 for this last minute booking.

InCabinFilming3 — Hollywood comes to Big Bear

And even if you’re not a film buff, this cabin is a consistent favorite with our guests. From the dramatic open ceilings to the large country kitchen, there’s a whole lot to like about this cabin. If you enjoy hiking, the national forest is only 3 lots away where you can hike to spots with incredible views of the lake. The Big Bear zoo and golf course are also within walking distance.

Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page. If you’re planning a vacation somewhere other than Big Bear, please be sure to look at our luxury rentals in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of where you may go, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that Five Star Vacation Rentals is working to make your vacation relaxing and memorable. Give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll be glad to help you put together a vacation that will be the one your family just keeps smiling about for years to come.

Pack Your Bags. You Should Be in a Big Bear Vacation Cabin Rental in September!

September is a wonderful month to visit Big Bear. The mornings are cool and crisp and you escape the heat of Los Angeles. Plus, there’s a great collection of things to do. In a previous blog we detailed some of the fun events planned for Labor Day weekend, but there’s much more to do during September in Big Bear.

Cycling enthusiasts from all over the western United States trek to Big Bear each year to take part in the many scheduled rides. It’s easy to see why. Big Bear’s cool clear air is a delight for cyclists. The Big Bear Cycling Association has rides planned several times each week, and rides are available for all skill levels. Reserve one of our great vacation cabin rentals and either bring your own bikes, or rent them when you arrive. Bear Valley Bikes has a great selection of bikes tailor made for the roads and trails in Big Bear. Visit their website for more details: http://bvbikes.com/bike-rental/

Region capture 53 — Running Trails in Big Bear

Load up the family, and pack your running shoes. It’s time for the Endure the Bear mountain trail run. This starts in the Village and heads into the beautiful National Forest Trails on the south shore of Big Bear Lake. The run features routes for all levels from 50K, 30K and 15K as well as a 5k Family Fun Run & Walk. Finish Festival and activities both at Friday night registration and Saturday Race with live music, vendors and more. Friday evening September 7th and Saturday morning. Visit the website for more details on this and the many other outdoor events scheduled in September in Big Bear. http://www.openairbigbear.com/

17th Annual Harley Bike Run fundraiser for Big Bear’s Moonridge Zoo Grizzly Bears. Open to the public and all bikes welcome! Saturday September 8th from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Poker Ride – Prizes – Vendors – BBQ and Live Music. Register at Chad’s Place in the Village 40740 Village Drive. All proceeds to benefit the Grizzly Bears at Moonridge Animal Park. For more information call (909) 878-4200.

Grab those oversized sun glasses and floppy hat. It’s time to hit the streets of Big Bear and look like you’re a famous movie star hoping to go unnoticed. The Big Bear International Film Festival takes place September 14-16th. Film screenings and workshops will be held at the PAC and the Village North Theater. Grab some popcorn and candy. And be on the lookout for some really famous faces. Who knows who you may see? For more info please call (909) 866-3433.

Call us today 310-780-3411, and one of our friendly staff will help you plan the ideal Big Bear getaway. We also have beach homes available for rent in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Manhattan Beach, La Jolla, and Laguna Niguel. Look over our cabins on our Big Bear page. Visit our Southern California Beaches page to see all our available beach properties. We also have vacation rentals available in Park City, Palm Springs/La Quinta, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.