As one who has attended many film festivals over the years -- from the big to the small -- I can say with most confidence and without the validation of others that the Waterfront Film Festival is truly one of the world’s greatest movie events in the universe.
Where else can one relive that college student high of racing from cinema to cinema in an attempt to see as many films as possible? And while I might have traded my big gulp soda for an oversized coffee, the thrill of seeing so many great films in a compressed period of time is why many flock to the lakeshore for this made-in-Michigan event.
While 23 features and six documentaries, along with plenty of short films, will debut at this festival, here are a few worth taking a closer look at for their interesting content.
Virginia is a feature film directed by Dustin Lance Black (Oscar winner for Milk). This is the film made partially in Michigan and in partnership with Holland’s Tick Tock Studios. And while this film received okay reviews when it first was shown at the Toronto Film Festival (2010), it has been re-tooled for this premiere. Tickets are sold out for this event, but if you scope Craigslist, you might find tickets for sale or maybe a missed connection from Mr. Black himself should he venture this way to find a date the modern way to his own Michigan premiere.
We’re Not Broke is a documentary about how U.S. corporations have the ability to dodge billions in income tax and what seven ordinary and fed-up Americans did to make sure some paid their fair share. In light of the Occupy protests of last year, this one lands right on time. Bring your own picket signs for after if you are so moved to start your own movement.
See the MIdwestern premiere of Buffalo Girls, a touching documentary about two eight-year-old girls who fight at the underground child boxing rings in rural Thailand in an attempt to support their families. Truly a gut-wrenching, but powerful piece about the lengths one will go for family.
Two other docs that have me looking closer at this weekend are Sadermania, a true-life story about a Hulk Hogan fan whose obsession turns to true friendship, and Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians, an interesting film just as it states about a group of Christians who justify cheating casinos, counting card and netting millions. And yes, this is a documentary.
And while there will be plenty of celebrity sightings around this little lake town, I will be stopping by Douglas Dunes on Friday night to introduce the new documentary, This Is What Love In Action Looks Like, a timely story about what happens a group of teens are forced to attend a fundamentalist Christian program that claims to turn gay kids straight.
The event kicks off with a special music presentation from The Voice’s Beverly McClellan with our local boys Garrett Borns and Valentiger warming up the crowd before the outdoor cinema Shorts Spectacular Program unspools on the big screen. Even artist Ron English will be back to sign posters for fans of his newest design.
Admission: Various
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