People across the Hudson Valley are remembering the life of film director Jonathan Demme.

Demme, known for his Oscar-winning movies "Silence of the Lambs" and "Philadelphia," died on Wednesday at his home in Manhattan. He was 73.

The late filmmaker spent nearly 14 years working at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville as a curator.

Those who knew Demme say he was a big supporter of media literacy. He is also remembered for mentoring young filmmakers.  "He challenged us constantly to re-imagine what a film center can do in its community. He's definitely that burst of energy that helped propelled our programs and thinking to where we are today," says Managing Director of the Jacob Burns Film Center Dominick Balletta.