Biography
Bill Cowell was born in Niagara Falls, NY and is a film writer, producer, and director. Bill spent most of his childhood being mentored by his Grandfather (Charles Martino), one of the first big pioneers of Niagara Falls, NY from the 1930's through the late 1960's. Bill's Grandfather was the owner and operator of several thriving industries of that time including a gas station, motel, tourism centers, bowling alley, and his Grandfather's pride - ABC Billiards, which soon after became the visiting hot spot for many rising stars, including billiards legend Willie Mosconi and 'Rudolf Wanderone Jr.' aka 'Minnesota Fats'. Bill's Uncle (Charles Martino Jr.) at the age of 16, became the youngest person ever to win the New York State Billiards Championship.
Bill developed his creativity, artistic abilities and his sense of honor and business from his Grandfather. Bill graduated from the school of Hard Knox and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983, earned his choice of orders for his next duty for Yokosuka Chuo, Japan where he traveled the world aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway as an Aviation Specialist, Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (ASE), Parachute Rigger (PR), and Seal Team advocate.
Bill is a long-time veteran Martial Artist and holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon Do under long-time Grand Master Jong Soo Park and the late Tae-Kwon Do Founder General Choi Hong Hi.
Bill has won several genre awards including a Most Promising Filmmaker Award and "Best Suspense Film Award" at the New York International Film Festival. Bill went on to write, produce and direct several independent films which were purchased and released by Lions Gate Home Entertainment and others.
Bill went on to write his next project "The Magic Shoe" which quickly gained interest from Christopher Walken, Diane Lane, Helen Hunt and Legendary Actor James Garner who was attached to play the heartfelt story-telling Grandfather. Do to a decline to James Garner's health the film was never shot.
In 2006, Bill Founded the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival which has quickly grown to be one of the largest and most exciting film festivals to visit in New York. The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival has been the breaking ground for many successful films such as The Cake Eaters (2007), Sinner (2007), The Still Life (2006), Cold Ones (2007), Christina (2010), along with many celebrations and participation with major celebrities such as Robert Redford, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Culp, Tom Holland, Lou Ferrigno, Louis Gossett Jr., Cindy Williams, William Fichtner, Tom Sizemore', Evander Holyfield', and many more.
