Easton's "Movies at the Mill" has become an annual event in the city.  But the festival is more than an excuse to check out a good flick.

Easton's Movies at the Mill was created to be an economic magnet for the historic Simon Silk Mill.

City leaders said it's working.

"This project will be the largest economic project in the city's 100 year history," said Easton Mayor Sal Panto.

This year the film festival will feature an eclectic range of films under a Hampton's style tent and a guest appearance by renowned light graffiti artist Vicki DaSilva.

The festival will also showcase renderings of what the Silk Mill could look like in ten years. 

"Having the first two buildings start next year really starts to tell people that it's really going to happen," said Panto.

Panto said the city used grant money for preliminary improvements, and will build a boulevard from 13th Street to Bushkill Drive, similar to the one built prior to the redevelopment of the Bethlehem Steel site.

VM Development Group has signed on to transform the buildings into residential and commercial space.  VM is the same group that renovated Easton's Pomeroy Building.

"There was a time when you couldn't get anyone to come see this place. But since Movies at the Mill the phone won't stop ringing," said Festival Director Gershon Hinkson.

It's a plot twist that has Movies at the Mill Director Gershon Hinkson looking to the future.

The remaining phases will focus on commercial and creative spaces.

The redevelopment will build up around the site of the festival, now celebrating its fourth year.

Organizers hope about two thousand people will turn out for the starlight film festival. For many it will be the first time they have seen the mill.
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Movies at the Mill is September 22nd from 6 to 10 pm.  Tickets are 10 dollars.
Volunteers are also needed for the event. For more information visit Movies at the Mill online, or email info@moviesatthemill.com