James Schamus, longtime key player in the independent filmmaking world, will be honored at the 2019 FilmColumbia festival, at the Crandell Theatre in Chatham, New York. On October 18–19, four of Schamus’ films will be shown, followed by a Q&A conducted by Peter Biskind, film historian, cultural critic, and festival director. Saturday evening, October 19th, Crandell Theatre benefactor, Jack Shear, will host the annual FilmColumbia Kick-Off Party at his home in Spencertown, NY, where Schamus will be recognized at a benefit supporting the festival and year-round Crandell programs. Previous FilmColumbia honorees have included director-producer-screenwriter James Ivory and award-winning actors Brian Cox and Frank Langella. Ivory and Cox have homes in Columbia County. Co-Chairs of the Kick-Off Party are Kristina Lang and Nicholas Haylett, both of Kinderhook. Order tickets by credit card and/or make a contribution. FilmColumbia, celebrating its 20th anniversary,…