Taras

2024 • USA • 81 min • Ben Sturgulewski

Representative in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly, Has Subtitles, Staff Pick

In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph. However, after the shocking collapse of their country, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, and must call upon the lessons learned in the mountains of their homeland to find a way to rebuild.

2023 • United States • 20 min • Kody Kohlman

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 into his unique relationship with cycling and how the road to recovery isn’t a linear path.

2022 • USA • 12 min • Mia Hagerty

Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere

Daily Bread explores the meaning of community and the idea of service from the perspective of Traverse City’s Reverend Jane Lippert and her work in response to food insecurity and in support of those most on the margin of society.