Beyond Bridezilla

The dreamlike “The Dress”was made
by the Hester sister act of Kristen
(producer, production and costume designer)
and Jessica (writer, director, star).

In “The Dress,” sister-filmmakers Kristen and Jessica Hester draw on their experience growing up in Westchester  -- and Jessica’s 14 years as a wedding planner at historic Lyndhurst in Tarrytown -- to create a dreamlike film that transcends the bridezilla clichés of screens big and small.

The movie is part of “A Night of Hesterhouse” – named for the siblings’ production company – which takes place April 15 at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill. The festivities include a red carpet; a performance of “Hudson River Blues,” one of the movie’s songs, by Dutchess Di of Dutchess Di and the Distractions; and screenings of four additional original works by the Hesters and other Westchester filmmakers.

Bob Conte, senior vice president, creative affairs, at HBO Films, viewed “The Dress” at a recent film festival and was impressed with the Hester sisters’ enthusiasm and their success at navigating the financial and logistical obstacles of first-time filmmakers.

 "A lot of people want to make movies, and a much smaller number actually make them," says Conte. "And a much smaller number than that make movies worth watching."

The Paramount is at 1008 Brown St. Tickets are $9; $7 for students with ID and senior citizens.   For more information, log onto paramountcenter.org/screen or call 739-2333. For more information about HesterHouse Productions, log onto: hesterhouseproductions.com