Bill Cowell was born in Niagara Falls, New York, and is a multifaceted creative individual, distinguished as a film writer, producer, and director. His childhood was profoundly influenced by his grandfather, Charles Martino, a pioneering figure in Niagara Falls, NY, who operated various thriving businesses, including a gas station, motel, tourism centers, bowling alley, and ABC Billiards, a popular hangout spot for notable celebrities.
Bill's grandfather, Charles Martino, was a respected entrepreneur who owned and operated numerous successful ventures, including a gas station, motel, tourism centers, bowling alley, and ABC Billiards, which became a hotspot for rising stars, including billiards legend Willie Mosconi and 'Rudolf Wanderone Jr.' aka 'Minnesota Fats'. Additionally, Bill's uncle, Charles Martino Jr., achieved a remarkable feat at the age of 16 by becoming the youngest person to win the New York State Billiards Championship.
Bill's creative skills, artistic abilities, and sense of honor and business were largely shaped by his grandfather's guidance. He graduated from the school of Hard Knox and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983, where he served as an Aviation Specialist, Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (ASE),Parachute Rigger (PR),and Seal Team advocate aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway, traveling the world to Yokosuka Chuo, Japan.
Bill is a seasoned martial artist, holding a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae-Kwon Do under Grand Master Jong Soo Park and the late Tae-Kwon Do Founder General Choi Hong Hi. His extensive experience in martial arts has contributed significantly to his creative pursuits.
Throughout his career, Bill has garnered several prestigious awards, including the Most Promising Filmmaker Award and "Best Suspense Film Award" at the New York International Film Festival. He has also written, produced, and directed several independent films, which were purchased and released by Lions Gate Home Entertainment and other notable studios.
Bill's next project, "The Magic Shoe," gained significant interest from notable actors, including Christopher Walken, Diane Lane, Helen Hunt, and the late James Garner, who was set to play the role of a heartfelt storytelling grandfather. Although the project was never brought to fruition due to James Garner's declining health, Bill has continued to create and produce numerous films.
In 2006, Bill founded the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival, which has grown to become one of the largest and most exciting film festivals in New York. The festival has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful films, including "The Cake Eaters" (2007),"Sinner" (2007),"The Still Life" (2006),"Cold Ones" (2007),"Christina" (2010),and many more. The festival has also featured appearances by notable 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.
