Western Pa.-filmed 'Unsinkable' movie to debut at Three Rivers Film Festival
An independent movie filmed at several locations in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties is set to premiere Wednesday at the Three Rivers Film Festival.
“Unsinkable,” directed by Cody Hartman and produced by PMI Films, follows a U.S. Senate inquiry and investigation into the cause of the Titanic sinking April 15, 1912. The British passenger liner sank after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean during its maiden voyage to New York City. More than 1,500 died.
Ligonier Beach was the site of filming in 2019. Part of the pool was painted black and life boats were used. Settlers Cabin Wave Pool in Robinson and North Park also were used as filming sets.
A trailer for the film showed the investigation juxtaposed with flashback scenes to the sinking and aftermath as rescued survivors arrived three days later at their original destination.
Local faces will be seen throughout the film. Extras were sought to fill spots for ship passengers and other roles.
The movie features the work of U.S. Sen. William Alden Smith, portrayed by actor Cotter Smith, who led the Senate hearings into the disaster.
The film will open the Three Rivers Arts Festival on Wednesday night at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. That session and a Sunday afternoon screening are sold out.
The festival includes numerous other films over a week. To find out more, visit the festival’s web page.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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