Michigan Premiere
4DWN is a service-driven, value-based, nonprofit organization and community resilience hub rooted in skate culture. It is headquartered in South Dallas, in one of the …
85 New Films for 2023
Adventure. Conservation. Inspiration.
4DWN
A Copper Dog Film
Family Friendly, Filmmaker in Attendance, First Time Filmmaker
A year in the making - a story of the beauty of a peninsula, the power of its community, and how they overlap in an annual dogsled race.
A Prairie Almanac
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere
On 4,000 acres in Illinois, first worn out by farms, roads and parking lots, Americans try to rebuild – with fire, beast and seed – what is lost elsewhere. On this restored prairie …
A Thousand Sunrises
Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, Filmmaker in Attendance
Bugsy Sailor has watched every consecutive sunrise for nearly five years. What started as a project to find purpose and presence in life has now evolved into something with a whole …
A Two Hearted Tale
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, First Time Filmmaker, Staff Pick
Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale is America’s No.1 IPA. The now infamous & iconic trout image is found in every convenience store nationwide. The legends behind this label and many …
A Voice for the Wild
Subject in Attendance, Staff Pick
Emily Ford and sled dog Diggins attempt to cross the secluded Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in winter during subzero temperatures to raise awareness about copper mining …
A.A. Parker: One Ship, Twice Sunk
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Subject in Attendance
Who would have thought a ship could sink twice? That’s exactly what happened to the wooden steamer A.A. Parker, but on September 19th, 1903, Lake Superior would finally claim the …
Across America
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, Adult Language
Chad Caruso, a skateboarder from Long Island, challenges himself to skateboard alone over 3,000 miles across the country. The documentary offers an intimate perspective on what …
Ain't No Honky Tonks in Michigan
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, World Premiere
The official music video for Ethan Bott’s hit song “Ain’t No Honky Tonks in Michigan,” in which Ethan abandons a life as a Texan race car driver in order to …
Algoma Highlands, 9 Days in the Wild
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly
A unique kind of wilderness adventure, off trail natural geocaching.
An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands (WIP)
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, First Time Filmmaker, Work in Progress, Staff Pick, Making Waves Recipient
Guided by the wisdom of his grandfather, a young filmmaker journeys through the mysterious wetland in his grandparent’s backyard. Navigating the challenges of this environment, the …
Anishinaabe Manidookewin (Ceremonies of the Anishinaabe at Lac Court Oreilles)
Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere
The Lac Court Oreilles community in northern Wisconsin has persevered through loss of land, language, and culture. These losses resulted in historical trauma that continues to …
Apayauq
Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick, Adult Language
Apayauq Reitan’s journey of gender, mental health, and purpose on her way to become the first out transgender woman to complete the legendary Iditarod sled dog race across …
Balancing Act
Set in Marquette, Michigan and Virgin, Utah the film follows Brandon Semenuk as he sets out to win his first American Rally Championship while also defending his Red Bull Rampage …
Baltic Avenue
World Premiere, Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance
The official music video premiere for “Baltic Avenue” by The Thirties. This far out commentary on the housing crisis was filmed aboard a float in the 2023 Marquette 4th …
Birds of Paradise
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance
Alison Világ counts migrating waterbirds at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, near Paradise, Michigan. It’s key to getting a pulse on different populations. But counting …
Born in the Barn: Part 2 - Small Town to State Champs
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly
“Small Town to State Champs” is Part 2 of the docu-series “Born in the Barn” about the legacy of Ewen-Trout Creek basketball. In 1972, a small-town high …
Call in the Crèche
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, Filmmaker in Attendance
A mini-doc about a crèche in Paparoa, New Zealand, focused on saving an iconic species of kiwi, and how that relates to protecting the entire ecosystem.
Chilly Dipper
Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly
A heartwarming story captures about resilience and unexpected friendships. Amid the Covid-19 lockdown, UK based director Hannah Maia turns her lens towards her own family life, …
Claiming Connections
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Staff Pick, Making Waves Recipient
Grassroots efforts create opportunities for Detroit’s Black community to connect with the great outdoors.
Community Revitalization: Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Many Great Lakes communities that have carried the burden of legacy pollution for decades have an opportunity for a new lease on life when local waterways are finally cleaned up. …
Creation Theory
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere
In the Westfjords of Iceland, where mountains meet the sea, creativity finds its ultimate human expression: a surfer on a wave, a snowboarder on a peak, a musician on a stage. …
Darkest Before Dawn
Has Subtitles, Family Friendly, First Time Filmmaker
Peek into the world of Belgian climber Siebe Vanhee’s authentic, raw process of his first season climbing on Yosemite’s hardest big wall. The infamous Dawn Wall proves to be a …
Endless Ride
Filmmaker in Attendance, Adult Language, Michigan Premiere
A documentary following artist Billy Coulon and his crew making free public parks as skateable art pieces all over the United States. This segment is about a stop near Detroit …
Ephemeral
Filmmaker in Attendance
The magic that exists within the world of the vernal pool is temporary. Each spring, the forests of Michigan become home to seasonal pools of water that are often overlooked and …
Everything I Learned When My House Burned Down
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Adult Language, Michigan Premiere
A rural comedian tries to make sense and nonsense out of a tragic loss.
First Person
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Adult Language
A genre-bending, monologue driven film. 10 stories, 10 locations. One town, Appleton, Wisconsin, plays the 11th character.
Friday Night Blind
Has Subtitles, First Time Filmmaker, Adult Language, Filmmaker in Attendance, Staff Pick
It’s another Friday night at Burnham Bowl. Strikes, spares, gutter balls. With no shortage of trash talking and victory dancing. But the group that’s making all the noise isn’t …
Girl with Bangs
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance
The official music video for “Girl with Bangs” by Marquette-based musician Hairday. This upbeat earworm will be stuck in your head all day. Featuring a visually …
Groundwork - A Family Journey into Regenerative Cotton
Filmmaker in Attendance
Follow as the Kahle family breaks the cycle of generational health issues by revolutionizing their farming practices. Driven by a deep commitment to their family and …
I Built a Fire
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance
The official music video for “I Built a Fire” by celebrated Marquette-area musician Michael Waite. Shot in slow motion around a towering bonfire, this reflective piece …
In Order for a Dune to Form
Michigan Premiere, Filmmaker in Attendance
Cycles of extraction, consumption, and reclamation continue as the past, present and future of a ghost town on the banks of Lake Michigan repeat themselves.
In The Rearview
Michigan Premiere, Filmmaker in Attendance
As two siblings - the filmmaker and her brother - look back on a road trip with their father 20 years ago, they discover their memories have faded, but the feelings they share …
Inseparable: Myia
Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly
As one of only 30 fluent Squamish language speakers left in Squamish Nation, Myia Antone teaches as a way to preserve her language for generations to come. Seeking to learn more …
Inseparable: Skye
Michigan Premiere
For time immemorial, climbing has been a traditional activity for Kanaka Maoli. While history shows Native Hawaiians climbed over mountains and scrambled rocks to trade goods and …
Islanders
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Adult Language
Amidst a shifting music scene, electro-pop duo FINKEL departs LA for Michigan’s Mackinac Island. Jane and Brian, partners in music and life, brave winter’s challenges …
Kukeri: Dancing Demons Away
Has Subtitles, Staff Pick
Once a year, the Bulgarian tradition of Kukeri unites a small village as residents wear intricate masks and costumes and dance at night.
KUMARI: A Father's Dream
Has Subtitles, Michigan Premiere
Deep in rural Nepal, a group of childhood friends channels their resources and energy into fulfilling Jagat Lama’s promise to his dying father; to bring medical care to their …
LeafPresser
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere
A film made from 12,000 pressed leaves opens up the visual language of the plant kingdom and speculates on what message nature might have for us.
Local Legends: Milverine
Staff Pick
There’s a mysterious man in Milwaukee nicknamed “The Milverine” because of his resemblance to X-man character Wolverine. He has a theme song, there is a beer emblazoned with …
Loved To Death
Filmmaker in Attendance, First Time Filmmaker
American National Parks face unprecedented overcrowding. Park units from Michigan share the impact and potential solutions.
Marqueetown
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Adult Language, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere, Staff Pick
No one fights to preserve a multiplex, but some people will risk everything to save a marquee. Through booms and busts, Delft Theatres Inc. - and its innovative gem, The Nordic - …
Mates for Life | Whooping Crane
Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly
Mates for Life follows two cranes (portrayed by ballet dancers) as they discover each other and become closer, creating a lifetime bond. Their movement is inspired by the whooping …
Mussel Grubbing: A Citizen Science Treasure Hunt
Family Friendly, Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere
Following a citizen scientist’s journey of discovery, the film explores the treasure hunt for finding freshwater mussels in the upper Sangamon River. Everyday people in …
My Hockey Story: Sarah Hood Fraser
Staff Pick
Sarah tells her story of how her Hockey Journey shaped her as an individual, and led into her professional life as the Athletic Director of Quinnipiac University.
Northern Nights, Starry Skies
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Staff Pick
A visually stunning celebration of our spectacular starry skies above the world’s largest designated Dark Sky sanctuary. Ojibwe, Dakota cultural astronomers and other experts share …
Of Wood
Family Friendly, Staff Pick
“Of Wood” is a unique stop motion film created over four years and 2,600 hours of filming and progressively carving images into a large round of wood. It examines the …
Ora Et Labora
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere
Inspired by the growth of the American craft beer movement, a group of Catholic monks in Spencer, Massachusetts produces America’s first “Trappist-certified” beer, a historically …
Pace of Change
Filmmaker in Attendance, Adult Language, Michigan Premiere
Peter Hogan’s life went off the rails when he descended into heroin addiction as a teenager. As he began the road to recovery, he picked up a bicycle. In this film, Peter dives …
Pioneers
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Staff Pick, Adult Language
After winning the American Birkebeiner - the largest cross country ski race in North America - Joe Dubay was disqualified for wearing the wrong bib. Now, 11 years later, Joe and …
Red Rock Revolution
Adult Language, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere
Following an unlikely courtship, Jorge and Joanne Urioste arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1970s, long before it was a mecca of rock climbing in North America. When the rest of …
Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems
Has Subtitles, Family Friendly
Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems shines a light on Michigan’s first indigenous-led, multi-agency collaborative created to restore and protect the ecology of streams and rivers across …
River of Angels
Family Friendly, Staff Pick, Representative in Attendance
Most people think of it as a sewer, but the Los Angeles River is just like any other river: a vital natural habitat that must be protected and revitalized. Through the eyes of …
Saving Our Theatre
Family Friendly, Filmmaker in Attendance
A documentary film exploring the challenges facing three upper Michigan theatre groups and how they plan to survive and provide value to their communities as cultural hubs. …
School of Fish
Michigan Premiere
Indigenous people and salmon have been intertwined for thousands of years in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Today, kids learn from elders to fish but must also learn to fight, as pollution …
Senghor Reid: Make Way For Tomorrow
Filmmaker in Attendance, Staff Pick
Filmmakers Desmond Love and Eden Sabolboro illuminate the world of visual artist Senghor Reid, who draws inspiration for his paintings from current events and from his hometown of …
Shady Grove Farm U.P. - Quest For Food Freedom
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly
When Randy experienced a life-changing injury at work, he turned to farming to help himself heal and stay active. The Buchlers farm with integrity and practice permaculture on …
Sight Unseen: Norway
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, World Premiere
_Sight Unseen: Norway** **_is a short film that dives deep into the personal and emotional impact that riding in unfamiliar places can have on a rider. It’s ultimately a …
Superior October
Subject in Attendance
Our Superior October started with a few dips in Lake Superior during a stretch of nice fall weather. It developed into a challenge to dip into the lake every day of October no …
Tales of Jan Mayen
Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly, First Time Filmmaker
A team sails to the remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen to recreate the 1921 British expedition to summit the world’s northernmost volcano, Mount Beerenberg. They conduct marine …
Taste Of Work - Round's Diner
Filmmaker in Attendance
Long offering refuge to newcomers and regulars alike, Round’s, the iconic Traverse City diner, has a history dating back to 1947. This episode explores the meaning of a diner …
The Birth of the Modern Snowmobile
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere
A short documentary chronicling the story of Wisconsin inventor Carl Eliason and his essential contributions to the development of the modern snowmobile.
The Conservation Kid
Family Friendly, Staff Pick, Michigan Premiere, Representative in Attendance
At age seven, Cash “The Conservation Kid” Daniels began leading cleanups along the Tennessee River in his hometown, Chattanooga. Six years later, Cash continues to make a …
The Found Footage Festival's Greatest Hits!
Filmmaker in Attendance, Staff Pick, Adult Language
THIS IS A LIVE PERFORMANCE!
Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett grew up in Wisconsin as childhood friends and now have the dubious distinction of having amassed the world’s largest …
The Great Storm of 1872
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly
November 27th, 1872, the schooner-barges Jupiter, and Saturn broke their tow lines and went aground west of Whitefish Point. 15 people died that day…15 souls never seen again. Join …
The Great Wake
Filmmaker in Attendance, First Time Filmmaker
On Halloween, a grief dream reunites a young programmer with his lost Player 2. Based on a true story of loss and life.
The Illness
Filmmaker in Attendance, Adult Language, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
This adventure documentary follows a loud-mouthed crew of Appalachian adventure seekers deep into the mountains of the Western United States as they climb, talk shit, fish for …
The Last Damn
Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere
_The Last Damn _explores the origin and sociocultural impact of The DAMn, set against the backdrop of its final rendition in 2021.
The DAMn is a 240 mile, 24 hour, point-to-point …
The Luminarians: Making the Luminary Loppet
Michigan Premiere
One frozen night every year in Minneapolis, MN, a group of volunteers called the Luminarians create an immersive outdoor experience to bring the community together.
The Mud on Their Hands
Filmmaker in Attendance, Has Subtitles, Family Friendly
Tyronne Edwards is a pastor and a 5th generation resident in a small, southern Louisiana town. His ancestors fought for the right for his family to live in the town of Phoenix, so …
The Orchestra Chuck Built
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, Subject in Attendance, Filmmaker in Attendance
In 2016, the League of American Orchestras conducted a study that revealed a shocking statistic: only 1.8% of the professional orchestra workforce in the US is Black. From an old …
The Right to Joy
Michigan Premiere
As a trans-masculine cyclist and policy scholar, Izzy Sederbaum was searching for community and acceptance within the sport. After surviving a rare cougar attack on a ride outside …
The Trapline
Michigan Premiere
**A Yukon trapper, in the twilight of his career, passes along his ethos and his trapline to a young woman determined to carry on his work. **
This is the Way We Rise
Adult Language
THIS IS THE WAY WE RISE is an exploration into the creative process, following Native Hawaiian slam poet Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio as her calling to protect sacred sites atop …
Transcendence
Michigan Premiere
After walking away from professional cycling to pursue climbing, Adrien Costa suffered a devastating accident that began his journey as an adaptive athlete. This film follows his …
Two Track
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, World Premiere
The mellow and charming music video for Ethan Bott’s “Two Track.” Hop in the passenger seat of a vintage Chevy truck and take a cruise down a Michigan backroad in …
Um Yes, Hello
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, First Time Filmmaker, Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly, Staff Pick
Geo Rutherford is a TikTok creator and educator, whose viral videos about the world’s strangest and most breathtaking bodies of water have been seen by millions. Diving …
Waterfall Hunters
Filmmaker in Attendance, Staff Pick
If you don’t know something exists, how do you give it a voice? Waterfall Hunters follows three Costa Ricans -Javier, Jimmy and Miguel- as they seek to find, document, and inspire …
Watershed Warriors
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick, Representative in Attendance
For more than 30 years, the Friends of the Fox River (FOTFR) organization has been working to protect and restore the Fox River in Illinois and Wisconsin. Now led by Gary Swick and …
When Hope Breaks Through
Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly, Staff Pick, Making Waves Recipient
Disabled paddleboarder Mike Shoreman attempts to become the first person with disabilities to paddle across all five great lakes. In doing so he raises money and awareness for the …
Wings of the Oder
Has Subtitles, Family Friendly, Staff Pick, Michigan Premiere, Representative in Attendance
As a child, Piotr Chara spent countless hours on the Oder River in Poland, fishing with his father and wondering at the wildlife; as he grew, Piotr noticed a decline in the river’s …
Winter's Eve
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Staff Pick
Inspired by the plight our planet faces under the threat of climate change, critically-acclaimed musician Kishi Bashi composes his new song “Winter’s Eve” on the tundra of …
WOMP
Family Friendly, World Premiere
The ocean is for everyone, but often surf lineups can often be rife with gender disparities. A diverse group of teen girls in North County, San Diego are redefining that, showing …
Yooper Wisdom
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere
Embark on an insightful perspective into the realm of empowered “Yooper” women residing in Michigan’s remote Upper Peninsula. Meet Kim Kee and her extraordinary …
Zombie
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, World Premiere
The official music video for “Zombie” by Hairday. Follow Hairday as he stalks through the night with a shovel in hand, searching for warmth in a cold and haunted world. …