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50 States
Short Film
12 min (Shorts Session #1)
Directed by: Caity Birmingham
'50 States' is the story of 12-year-old Jane and her father Charlie, who must get to know each other better as they travel together across the Midwest.
a little secret
Student Short
8 min (Student Session #1 & The Best of Shorts)
Directed by: Brandon T. David
A little secret buried within a family forever.
Already Happened
Student Short
25 min (Student Session #2 & Orange Chair Session)
Directed by: Devin Cameron
It's Not About Time Travel. Johnny is a twenty-something stuck in a mid-level job. He lives with his long-time friend Cal. Things aren't good, but they're not bad either. Johnny's life is about to become both at once.
Bunny Suits
Short Film
25 min (Shorts Session #1)
Directed by: Collins Schude
Gene stumbles home visibly distraught, inebriated and unhinged by the absence of his wife who has yet to return from a party. In his fragile and manic state Gene calls his friend and mentor, Don, for advice.
Business As Usual
Student Short
16 min (Student Session #2)
Directed by: Dominique Schilling
Executive Celia Webster suffers a miscarriage, 3 hours before the most important business presentation of her career.
Call Waiting
Student Short
15 min (Student Session #1 & Shorts Session #1)
Directed by: Timothy McDermott
The film is about a young girl named Alexandra: lost in her job, worn out from her nagging mother, and looking for companionship. Also, she was born with the rare condition of telephones dangling from her torso.
Caught in Paint
Short Documentary
6 min (Documentary Session #2)
Directed by: Rita Blitt
'Caught in Paint' captures painter/sculptor Rita Blitt painting on transparent surfaces while the David Parsons Dance Co. dance in mid-air thru the painting imitating Blitt's paint strokes. Photographer Lois Greenfield shoots dynamic stills during process.
Coffee Shop Kings
Feature
1 hr 30 min (The Coffee Shop Session)
Directed by: Jason Slingerland
Solving the world's problems, one cup at a time. It’s the dead of winter in a Great Lakes beach town, and Seth has just been dumped by his girlfriend of two years. While walking the icy streets he makes his way into a hometown coffee shop and runs into his estranged best friend, Kevin. As they pick up the pieces to their derailed friendship, Kevin introduces Seth to the underground of a hibernating beach town.
COMING HOME: E.F. Schumacher & the Reinvention of the Local Economy
Documentary
37 min (Documentary Session #3)
Directed by: Christopher Bedford
In 1973, British economist E.F. Schumacher wrote “Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered“ a book that offered a vision of an economy driven by a desire for harmony, not greed; an economy based on community and ecological values, not global financial derivatives. The E.F. Schumacher Society has transformed Schumacher’s ideas into a series of practical innovations, reinventing much of the local economy of Great Barrington, Massachusetts and southern Berkshire County in the process.
Craftsman Style
Documentary
54 min (Documentary Session #1)
Filmmaker: Dave Muylle
'Craftsman Style' tells the story of Dave Muylle, a veteran home-rehabilitation contractor turned citizen-filmmaker, and his two year journey to restore a former drug house in his neighborhood into a new home for his family. Best described as 'This Old House' for regular people, this documentary provides an account of the work done by Dave and his fellow craftsmen.
The Dark Side of the Loon
Documentary
42 min (Documentary Session #3)
Directed by: Gail Osherenko
The wild call of the loon captivates those of us who spend time on northern lakes and pond, but when the ice forms, they are out of sight and out of mind. Where do they go in winter? How do they survive? The Dark Side of the Loon follows two unique biologists who study loons in winter off the coast of North Carolina and in Morro Bay, California.
Dealbreaker
Short Film
10 min (Best of Shorts & Shorts Session #2)
Filmmaker: Mike Madigan
A couple takes refuge from a tornado storm and comes across a copy of 'The Zombie Survival Guide', setting off an intense debate on the best ways to avoid becoming zombie food fodder.
Even Felons Fall
Short Film
11 min (Shorts Session #2 & The Crime Session)
Directed by: Matt Toronto
When Drew, an aspiring armed robber, gets some much needed on-the-job-training from a wily jewelry store owner, he winds up with more than improved job skills
FAIRVIEW ST.
Feature
1 hr 51 min (plays in the Port Theater at 7:30 pm on Sunday)
Directed by: Michael McCallum
Sometimes you want to forget your past...Sometimes your past won't let you. Paroled after serving four years in prison for armed robbery, James Winton is coming home, uncertain of his future. When a murder occurs, he becomes the prime suspect, pursued by two detectives determined to make him pay.
How I Killed Mumblecore (Now I Know)
Feature
1 hr 10 min (The Orange Chair Session)
Directed by: Brandon Hutchinson
Devin has a difficult time letting people in. Benjamin, her boyfriend is in... or is he? When Benjamin refuses to answer a silly question at a silly party, Devin just can't let it go... she needs to know.
It's Him
Short Film
4 min (The Orange Chair Session)
Directed by: Sean Stearns
A 'self portrait' dealing with human perception and truth.
Lake Village
Documentary
49 min (Documentary Session #1)
Directed by: Ryan Booms
Lake Village tells the incredible story of an intentional community in Kalamazoo. Founded in 1971, Lake Village was once a 'hippie commune' but is now a thriving farm cooperative. Originally inspired by B.F. Skinner's novel Walden Two, the farm is an ongoing experiment on how to cultivate community in harmony with the earth. Capturing feelings of nostalgia and pathos for our rural past while also offering a promising vision of the world's future, the film is a must-see for anyone passionate about eating local foods and fostering community.
Le Paradis de l'Imbecile
Student Short
13 min (Student Session #2 & The Best of Shorts)
Directed by: Patrick Griffin
Joe, so immersed in his cinematic fantasies, is incapable of fulfilling the needs of his girlfriend, Sarah, in order to maintain a successful relationship ultimately forcing him to rely on his imagination while attempting to save their future.
Let's Do It
Student Short
20 min (Student Session #1 & The Best of Shorts)
Directed by: Christopher Jarvis
A satirical drama about the fear of loneliness and of being the last in one's social circle to 'do it.'
Live From Bethlehem
Documentary
37 min (Documentary Session #2)
Directed by: Joe Sousa
Out of the ashes of the second Intifada, the Maan News Agency came into existence as the only independent news network in the Palestinian Territories. Live from Bethlehem is a feature documentary that tells the story of how journalists from the Maan Network have declared independence from hate-filled propaganda and are revolutionizing media in the Palestinian Territories.
Lost And Gone Forever
Feature
1 hr 21 min (The Life Session)
Directed by: Keaton Weiss
A week in the life of a lonely young waitress whose familial, professional, and romantic relationships are tested to their breaking points.
MOMz Hot ROCKs
Documentary
1 hr 30 min (The Punk Session)
Directed by: Kate Perotti
MOMz HOT ROCKs is a feature length music documentary on the emergence of mom rock bands around the United States, 2004-2007. Introducing the Mydols, Housewives on Prozac, Placenta, CandyBand and Frump, they'll rock your socks off and give a new twist to modern motherhood.
More Than 100 Miles: Riding to Cure Diabetes
Documentary
45 min (Documentary Session #2)
Directed by: Thomas Scheidel
A century ride is a remarkable accomplishment for any cyclist. When those 100 miles are completed in support of a notable cause and important people in one’s life, an event of epic proportions is born. This film tells the story of one West Michigan team as it prepares for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Ride to Cure Diabetes events in Asheville, North Carolina and Death Valley, California.
Multilevel Relationship
Short Film
15 min (The West Michigan Session & Shorts Session #1)
Directed by: Andrew Rudd
Kenny will say almost anything to persuade his friends to get involved in his business, and even if her answer is 'no', Kenny would gladly settle for being involved with his friend Becca.
My First Tooth
Student Short
14 min (Student Session #1 & Shorts Session #1)
Directed by: Reaves Washburn
A young single mother must confront the tragic, violent incident in her past in order to protect her daughter from a similar fate.
My Little Mascot
Student Short
16 min (Student Session #2 )
Directed by: Jay Sheldon
A school mascot stops speaking after being forced into retirement.
Nosedive
Foreign Feature (in Hungarian, with English subtitles)
1 hr 45 min (plays in the Port Theater at 8:30 pm on Saturday)
Directed by: Erik Novak
This story is an urban legend about a young outlaw, a beautiful woman, and the worst adventure in life. Drugs, mafia, friends, love, betrayal, revenge and death.
Nothing to Nobody
Feature
1 hr 26 min (The Nobody Session)
Directed by: Arie Ohayon
A compelling drama set in the Dominican neighborhoods of upper Manhattan, Nothing to Nobody tells the story of Alfonso Raul, a tortured young man with the soul of a poet. After having served an eighteen-month prison sentence, he is determined to change his destiny, to embrace the omnipotent American Dream and regain his elusive freedom. But can he? Freedom doesn't always start when a jail door opens.
Patsy
Feature
1 hr 31 min (The Patsy Session)
Directed by: Anton Jarvis
The only connection between one thing and the next is that one thing leads to the next. The film,'Patsy', is a darkly humored psychological thriller, shown through the delusional eyes of Lenny. Lenny is a thirty something clothing store owner who is entertained by his colorful co-workers, Skip and Carl, yet is suicidal, obsessive and desperate to find a significant other.
Perceptions
Short Film
8 min (Shorts Session #1 & The Coffee Shop Session)
Directed by: Armand Diab
In an anonymous coffee shop, one couple is breaking up, another is advancing their relationship to a higher level, and a third couple is... well... it's open to interpretation.
Perspective
Student Short
13 min (Student Session #2 & Shorts Session #2)
Directed by: Laura Meoli
A magic camera gives a pessimistic claymation artist a second chance by changing his outlook.
Release
Short Film
3 min (The Orange Chair Session)
Directed by: Sean Stearns
A short dance piece dealing with the weight of media marketing, advertising, etc.
Respect for the Dead
Short Film
14 min (The Nobody Session)
Directed by: Jim Idema
This is the story of a man on death row who ponders his upcoming demise and the circumstances that landed him there with a seemingly imaginary newspaper reporter.
ROUNDS
Feature
1 hr 40 min (Bro-mance Session #1)
Directed by: Mark Atienza
Life... everybody gets a round. A chance to get it right! Friendships are what defines people. Rounds follows Jensen, Terry and WIll the best of friends, on the journey to find the thing we all look for...seeking out our path and finding love along the way.
Science Fair (Or: Migratory Patterns & the Flight of the March Brown Mayfly)
Student Short
21 min (Student Session #1 & The Best of Shorts)
Directed by: Dean Fleischer-Camp
Five consecutive science fair championships have brought child prodigy Worth Bugg money, recognition, and the many pressures that accompany it. You can be anything you want when you grow up, except younger.
See Saw
Student Short
6 min (Student Session #1)
Directed by: Diego Attanasio
A spoof of the Saw films, a few victims are asked to partake in some tests to save their lives. What will happen to them; escape, or death?
Sleeping River
Student Short
21 min (Student Session #2 & Shorts Session #2)
Directed by: David Marek
'Sleeping River' interweaves breathtaking expanses, wounded characters and a psychological method of editing to create an indelible return home for Tim, who can't seem to remember the details of a traumatic event from his childhood.
Slow River
Short Film
13 min (Shorts Session #2)
Directed by: Adam Shephard
Despondent after the death of his wife, a man’s days are spent in a secluded spot watching the river. But a woman who has been his and his wife’s best friend since they were children will try to bring him back to the living and, if she can, to her.
Surprise!
Foreign Short (in French, with English subtitles)
18 min (The Patsy Session)
Directed by: Fabrice Maruca
As an attentive husband, Pierre has prepared a surprise for his wife Brigitte’s birthday. But a series of harmless incidents (like a draft and a sun beam reflected off a window) brings the young next-door neighbor into his bed just as Brigitte walks through the door!
The Cab Ride
Short Film
33 min (The Life Session)
Directed by: Giuseppe Scarpitta
An aimless young cab driver, against his will, transports a terminally ill woman to a hospice to live her final days. En route we are witness to their generational differences and how their journey unfolds to create an astounding influence in each of their lives.
The Muchachos Frescos
Short Film
19 min (Shorts Session #2)
Directed by: Jose Gomez
The Muchachos Frescos are back! This musical, mock-documentary explores the rise and fall of a youthful boy band, while documenting their reunion, twenty years after their one, and only song, debuted.
The Notorious Newman Brothers
Feature Film
1 hr 26 min (The Crime Session)
Directed by: Ryan Noel
The film the mafia wish never got made! Gangsters have been covered before, but never like this! Join Max Chaplin, one of films most inexperienced directors, as he struggles to document Paulie and Thunderclap Newman on their ascension to mobster mediocrity.
The Other Side of Paradise
Feature Film
2 hrs (plays in the Starboard Theater at 7:30 on Sunday)
Directed by: Justin D. Hilliard
Rose embarks on a journey of self-disovery on the way to her first solo gallery opening. Along the way, she picks up Alex, the newly single friend she’s always had feelings for, and her misfit younger brother Jamie, who was recently released from prison.
The Predator's Return
Short Film
14 min (Shorts Session #2)
Directed by: Jerald Fine
What if the newest resident of your nursing home was the same Nazi officer that murdered your entire family 60 years earlier?
The Riddle in a Bottle
Documentary
30 min (The Kid’s Session)
Directed by: Laura Sams and Robert Sams
Two siblings must solve a mysterious riddle about the ocean, with help from sea turtles, tide pool animals, frogs and a singing pirate. Filmed over two years, the film uses vivid wildlife footage (both underwater and on land) and original music to share how life on earth is connected through moving water.
The Stump Grinder
Short Documentary
11 min (Documentary Session #3)
Directed by: Nick Nummerdor
The Stump Grinder is a documentary short about a working class man reflecting over an on-the-job accident that happened to him thirty years prior and the unusual consequences that resulted.
The Tragic Self-Improvement of Ross Lawson
Student Short
18 min (Student Session #1)
Directed by: Jolie Hales
Upon discovering that anything he types into his online social profile becomes reality, high school reject Ross Lawson begins to transform his life into the one he’s always wanted... but with a price.
The Truth About Average Guys
Feature
1 hr 22 min (Bro-mance Session #2)
Filmmaker: Ken Gayton
A young professional has his shameless friend pose as his mentally challenged brother in order to get to know a beautiful co-worker with a mentally challenged sister. A politically incorrect comedy with heart.
The Waiting Room
Short Film
15 min (The Best of Shorts & Shorts Session #1)
Directed by: Tate Bunker
Written by a high school student as part of student screenwriting contest for the Milwaukee Film Festival, 'The Waiting Room' was a collaborative effort made possible by the support of the Milwaukee Film community. 'In a room full of strangers, people come and they go... while a young woman waits.'
To Live and Die in Dixie
Feature
1 hr 25 min (The West Michigan Session)
Directed by: Harper Philbin
Inspired by a true story about a murder on a college campus in Louisiana in 1987.
True Beauty This Night
Short Film
10 min (The Best of Shorts & The Crime Session)
Directed by: Peter Besson
Last night, Rhett Somers met the love of his life. Now all he has to do is convince her that she's the one. Not an easy feat considering how they met.
We Are Croissan'wich
Short Film
10 min (The Best of Shorts & Shorts Session #2)
Directed by: Josh Lowman
When an energetic, clueless young adman gets fired by his own father, he and his stoner roommate start their own agency. Together they vow to introduce their mind-blowing ideas to the world--if they can just find a client with the courage to hire them.