I love going to the movies. I’m not sure if my strong feelings are always attached to the actual film or directed toward the smell of buttered popcorn.

Back in the olden days, when I was growing up, film was only seen on the big screen. I waited with great anticipation for that opening night.

I’ve always enjoyed how film, like books, can take us to different countries or worlds, explain different points of view, and allow for conversations. Whether watching the latest blockbuster or a locally-made film, the banter after watching a film is sometimes just as interesting as the actual movie.

This year’s Lake Placid Film Festival (Oct. 26-28) is focusing on diversity in film as well as honoring the late Reg Clarke, owner of the Lake Placid Palace Theatre.

I’m not going to focus on the incredible film lineup, the over 60 film screenings at three locations, or the opportunity to be part of special discussions with directors and producers. I’m not even going to focus on the importance of diversity, equality, or inclusion.

I feel that the Lake Placid Film Festival is doing its job by introducing films from various countries like Buenos Aires, Sweden, and Singapore. The festival is covering various genres from animation to comedy. The topics include documentaries such as a look into rural mid-America Monrovia, Indiana, where generosity and authenticity conflicts with stereotypes experienced by larger cities. There are biographies exploring personal struggles like Nadia Murad’s survival in “On Her Shoulders.” (I’m looking forward to learning more about Pippi Longstocking’s author Astrid Lindgren.) To complete the mix the schedule offers thrillers, dramas and Adirondack topics.

The full schedule can be found online at LakePlacidFilmFestival.org.

Another offering is the Sunday showing of 1937 classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The free showing, sponsored by the Palace Theatre, brings the focus back to Reg Clarke and the Clarke Family.

I don’t know the Clarke family very well, but what I do know I admire greatly. Reg’s presence is missed every time I enter the Palace Theatre doors. Though he was highly visible, sitting in a chair taking the time to greet as many people as possible, it was the work behind the scenes that was so impactful.

I only saw flashes of a man committed to community service. I witness the free films throughout the year to make sure all children have the opportunity to go to the theatre. I read about gift certificates given to school groups.

I participate in the Elfing Tree that sits in the theatre lobby through the holidays with children’s wishes attached to each branch. Those are just glimpses into a life committed to community service. It is wonderful that the film festival is honoring Reg as his family continues these generous traditions. It is an opportunity for all of us to look at how our words and actions can embrace differences rather than disparage them. It is a chance to rekindle that love affair with film as much as for the buttered popcorn.

Diane Chase is the author of the “Adirondack Family Activities” guidebook series, “Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities go to www.adirondackfamilytime.com.