Beneath The Surface

Screened at FCFF 2025

Film Synopsis

Set against the breathtaking landscape of the Great Lakes, Beneath The Surface follows a group of young girls from a Northern Michigan town as they embark on a summer of self-discovery and adventure including the challenging art of spearfishing in the cold, clear waters of the Great Lakes.

Related Films

Beneath the Ice

2026 • USA • 4 min • Amara Johnson

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

The filmmakers mother, Jennifer Johnson a fish biologist with the Michigan DNR, discusses her connection with ice fishing.

Dragon Mom

2026 • USA • 25 min • Harrison Buck

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

Dragon Mom follows Laura, a mother learning to navigate the emotional, physical, and societal complexities of raising a child who lives with severe disability. Alongside her family, Laura must confront the realities of ableism, advocate for accessibility, and redefine what strength and connection look like.

Forward

2024 • USA • 17 min • Palmer Morse

Michigan Premiere, Filmmaker in Attendance

While navigating a myriad of life challenges, Anjelica Avella turned to the outdoors to improve her mental health only to discover a noticeable lack of other plus-size women of color on trail. By posting a simple flyer looking for more women to hike with, Anjelica created a community she never could have imagined.