Festival Profile

Steven M. Opsanic

Executive Director, C.E.O.

Before moving to Erie in the fall of 1994, I lived and grew up in the Pittsburgh area. In 2001 I co-founded the Great Lakes Film Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit film and arts organization based in Erie, Pennsylvania, which has a staff of over twenty-four (24) members.    

In September of 2002 GLFA hosted its inaugural film festival. For the past eight (8) years I have held the position of Executive Director and C.E.O. of the Great Lakes Film Association.  

GLFA is Northwestern Pennsylvania's only association for independent film.

Since my favorite hobby has always been watching movies, it seemed only natural for me to work in the film & arts industry.

In addition to producing the Great Lakes Independent Film Festival each year, I have had the unique opportunity to create several other exciting annual events for the Erie Community such as the Great Lakes Music Video Festival and the Eerie Horror Film Festival.  

I have also had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented professional filmmakers and artists in the Erie area as the producer of 3 short length, and 2 feature length films.   

Having worked with many people from the local Erie theater community, in the fall of 2007 I decided to try my hand at creating an original musical stage play, "Buddy Holly: The Day The Music Died" starring local Rock-a-Billy king Matty B of the Dirty Pickles.  The show débuted in early September and in the opening weekend the entire 6-week run was sold out.    

Following the success of Buddy Holly, in 2008 I created, produced and directed 2 additional musical stage productions, "The Johnny Cash Tribute Show" and "Remembering Janis", both of which enjoyed large popularity and capacity attendance.  

Prior to working with GLFA, I was the store manager of a local supermarket, Edinboro Giant Eagle for a period of eight (8) years during which time I managed a staff of over 100 employees. 

Owning and operating several diversified businesses over the years, I have a strong background in business and corporate management; investment property and real estate management; retail management; human resource development; accounting and finance in addition to a broad variety of agreement and document preparation and interpretation.

I am a seasoned professional in business with a strong record of achievement in providing the necessary front/back business operations and personnel motivation experience to ensure streamline operations, customer satisfaction, that leads to increased profitability.   

I have excellent communication, listening, and negotiating skills coupled with the ability to effectively establish and maintain rapport with all levels of personnel, management, and clients.   

I have a proven background in management; administration; supervision; organizational; reorganization; coordination; customer relations and public relations; cost control; budgeting; quality control; new business development; forecasting; planning and scheduling; accounting; merchandising and training, all of which realizes significant contributions to bottom-line results.

Festival Executive Staff:

Film Fest Committee:

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Film Judges:

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