The Films

• Year 2024
• Country USA
• Runtime 3 min
• Director Cam Nabors

Subject in Attendance, Has Subtitles, Michigan Premiere

Artist carves poetry into a 150-year fallen oak tree

• Year 2024
• Country USA
• Runtime 6 min
• Director Neil Losin

Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere

Join 5-year-old Aldo and his dad on a backyard safari filled with tiny wonders and big laughs. Armed with a camera and boundless curiosity, Aldo embarks on a bug-hunting escapade, narrating his discoveries with adorable wit and charm. As the week unfolds, Aldo’s wide-eyed explorations not only capture the audience’s imagination, but also subtly echo the timeless wisdom of Aldo Leopold, making for a delightful and endearing ode to the joy of nature’s smallest marvels.

• Year 2024
• Country USA
• Runtime 4 min
• Director Jason Lindsey and Scott Krahn

Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere, Staff Pick

“It’s Time” is a poetic 3-minute film set in early spring Illinois. Through stunning visuals and lyrical narration, it gives voice to nature. The tree’s awakening becomes a metaphor for environmental awareness. This cinematic ode aspires to plant seeds of change, encouraging viewers to listen to nature’s whispered warnings and become stewards of our shared environment.

• Year 2024
• Country Canada
• Runtime 38 min
• Director Matt Clark/Stirl and Rae Media Haus, Patrick Lucas, Thomas Schoen

Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick

The Story of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the powerful connection between mountain biking, reconciliation, and healing intergenerational trauma. Through captivating storytelling and breathtaking visuals, the film follows the journey of three individuals: Patrick, Thomas, and Tom, as they collaborate with Indigenous communities across British Columbia to build trails and empower Indigenous youth.

As they navigate the complexities of recreational colonialism, the trio learns valuable lessons about allyship, cultural preservation, and the transformative potential of outdoor recreation. With intimate interviews and poignant personal narratives, “Dirt Relations” explores the profound impact of mountain biking in fostering community resilience, reclaiming cultural identity, and rebuilding bridges between cultures.

This documentary sheds light on the deeper societal implications of recreational activities, inviting audiences to reflect on their own roles in addressing colonialism and supporting Indigenous communities. “Dirt Relations” is a moving testament to the power of unity, understanding, and the healing journey that unfolds when we connect with the land and each other.