LeafPresser

2023 • USA • 66 min • Ben Albert

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 film uncovers the life, secrets, and importance of wetlands in a way that must be seen to be believed. 

2021 • United States • 28 min • Thomas Sawyer

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 deeper into her complex relationship with science and education, this documentary follows the artist as she sifts through The Great Lakes’ detritus, gathering found objects to create her largest installation to date.

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.