First Posted: 4/11/2012

When flooding destroyed much of the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock right before the opening of its Fall Film Festival last September, theater staff wondered whether or not they would make it, according to Hildy Morgan, who was executive director at the time.

“It was a really close call for us,” Morgan said. She added that she is grateful the countless volunteers who came to clean up the mess and essentially remodel the theatre, and for Erica Rogler, who “led the charge.”

Rogler, now executive director, said the theatre is “almost completely back to its former glory,” maybe even looking better than before the flooding. She said the only thing they are still working on is funding for new heating and air conditioning, but the rest of the work is complete, thanks to the community volunteers, in time for the Spring Film Festival.

“It’s an exciting time of year for us,” Rogler said.

The festival will begin with an Opening Night Gala April 13 at 5:30 p.m., and will include a wide variety of films, the majority of which are in foreign languages with English subtitles.

Morgan said she feels the foreign films help introduce people to other countries and cultures they would never be able to visit otherwise.

“I think it’s always important with the festival,” she said, “to bring the world to our small town.”