FILMS
Pittsburgh Connection
Brett McCutcheon, a North Allegheny HS/Slippery Rock University alum and band instructor at Mt. Lebanon HS, is a young composer whose life was forever changed by the sudden loss of his older brother, Ryan. Channeling his grief, he produced a 5-track EP that is the backbone of this moving 40-minute tribute. Director Jennifer Schlieper seamlessly weaves together Brett’s personal video diaries, interviews with family and friends, and footage of musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra who bring Brett’s songs to life. The Ocean – Five Years is an uplifting experience that reaffirms the power of music as an instrument for healing.
Winner – Best Documentary – Vienna Independent Film Festival
Post-film Programming:
- Filmmaker Q&A
- Performance by Chris Jamison, Mt. Lebanon high school musicians, members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
- After-party
Special ticket price applies
Post-Film Q&A
A filmmaker Q&A will follow the screening at the August Wilson Cultural Center.
Terese LaVallee
Film Subject — The Ocean - Five Years
Terese LaVallee joined the Caring Place in 2001 and has held the position of Director since 2004. As a licensed psychologist for 15 years, Terese has extensive experience in the fields of death and dying, group process, and family systems with an emphasis on child development. Prior to her work with the Caring Place, Terese worked in various sectors including private practice and an inpatient mental health setting. Terese has been the recipient of the Spirit of Goldstein Humanitarian Award from Perseus House (2009) and was named one of the "Women Making History" by the Mercy Center for Women (2010). In addition, under Terese's leadership, the Caring Place received the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award from the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (2008). Terese is constantly inspired by the courage of the kids who come to the program and go on living in the face of tragedy.
Brett McCutcheon
Film Subject — The Ocean - Five Years
A dedicated multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music educator, Brett embarked on his musical journey while living in Prague, Czech Republic. He began playing the piano at the age of four, discovering a lifelong passion for melodies. Later excelling as a saxophonist and percussionist leading marching bands and ensembles, Brett remains grounded and committed to nurturing emerging talents. After studying music education at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, his genuine love for music education led him to guide high school marching bands post-graduation. He is now a Band Director at Mt Lebanon High School, just outside Pittsburgh, PA. Teaming up with long-time friend and collaborator June Bracken, Brett recently co-produced the EP The Ocean – Five Years, a resonant orchestral pop masterpiece. The project showcases his brilliance, featuring notable musicians like Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra members and Chris Jamison from The Voice.
Jennifer Schlieper
Filmmaker — The Ocean - Five Years
Emmy-nominated, award-winning filmmaker, director, producer and writer, Jennifer Schlieper didn’t start her career in film. She cut her teeth as a Creative Strategist at one of the largest PR firms in the world launching products and services for Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. In 2017, out of a need to do something that mattered for those who matter, Schlieper and executive producer Courtney Gumpf partnered to create Flying Scooter Productions. The intent is to impact through client partnerships, mission-based nonprofits and stories silenced by those that fear the truth. Schlieper has written, directed, and co-produced hundreds of stories with Gumpf in the last seven years. The Ocean – Five Years is their first film festival release winning Best Documentary at VIFF and Officially Selected at Milan FFI, Documentaries without Borders International Film Festival, Red Rose Film Festival, Toronto International Women Film Festival, Venice Shorts and Pittsburgh Shorts.