The Iron Town

2023 • United States • 21 min • Kelley Wolf Griffith

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 circle of healing artist friends, all gifted with special talents that have developed a distinct spiritual bond with the expansive outdoors. Step into her world as she shares the wisdom gathered from the secluded natural haven, including her unique ability to connect with nature through interspecies communication.

2023 • United States • 41 min • Rory K. McHarg & Bret Miller

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 others have been buried in folklore for nearly 40 years, but the vision created at Bell’s started a revolution in the craft brewing industry that changed what a beer label could be. This is the unconventional story of an artist whose love of fishing, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and beer found its way into every store in America. Dave Chapelle, during a comedy set in Kalamazoo said aloud, “Why the hell did you put a fish on the label?” However, eccentric artist Ladislav Hanka’s reasoning is simple yet personal. Just like the rest of his artwork.

2022 • USA • 10 min • Brody Kuhar

Michigan Premiere

For Dan Baker, passion came at a cost. Out of a deep connection with nature, he built a life working with wood. His dedication to his craft, his home state of Michigan, and to all that the land provides is novel. At old age, a journey is just beginning. He’s a Sawyer now. His sustainable, environmentally conscious, small-town approach to the sawmill makes his work one of a kind and he largely does it alone. While many get old of age, they slow down and fail to try new things thinking that it’s simply too late in life to shake things up. Dan’s young heart keeps him going every day, every time of year. His message to the world, “That which grows, never grows old.”