MtGIFF honors “The Greatest Life” of Michael Evan Deitzler, who lived passionately, loving family, friends, and all things Mt.Gretna.

A bright light in this world, “Evan” was born in Lebanon, PA on October 31st, 1992. From early childhood, he was drawn to performance and the arts, beginning at age 5 when his love of Elvis Presley led him to acting. From Winthrop in The Music Man, to Ralphie in A Christmas Story, to Renfield in Dracula, and Young Milton Hershey in The Milton Hershey Story, he loved entertaining and he had a real talent for it. 
Evan graduated from Cedar Crest High School in 2011, where he was an active member of CCHS Today, Student Television Network, winning National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid Atlantic Chapter Junior Emmy awards, including the national Student Field Reporter Contest for Schooljam USA. He was a varsity letterman in football, and track and field, and competed in javelin in college at both Coastal Carolina and Temple Universities. Evan graduated from Temple University in 2015, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and media arts. 

Evan became an award-winning filmmaker, actor, story teller, adventure seeker, traveler, athlete, animal lover, movie buff, avid reader, barstool sports enthusiast, racing fan, and Philadelphia Eagles devotee. He was a true leader in all he undertook. Above all, Evan was determined. No matter what the challenge or request, he gave his all to ensure that he exceeded all expectations whether for himself or others. 

Evan moved to California upon graduation from college, working first for William Morris Entertainment, then co-founding Willow House Films. He ultimately held his dream position when he became Head of Content, Marketing and Special Projects at Warren Lotas, LLC.

When visiting home, Evan would often hang out with his parents and their friends in his cherished community of Mt. Gretna. On several occasions, he implored them to start a film festival here. “It is the perfect community for it, and you don’t have one yet!”, he would exclaim. 

So, to Evan, we say: “Thank you. Inspired by you, we are doing it.”