Love & Sugar

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 • USA • 17 min • Mark and Jena Burchick

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 European tradition that signals growth opportunities for financially insecure monastic communities looking to preserve their unique way of life. “Ora et labora” is Latin for “work and prayer,” and is the motto of the Christian monastic life.

2024 • USA • 18 min • Nate Sheppard

Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere

PETE’S CASTLE tells the story of Pete Kelley, creator of Kelley Castle in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. The film follows Pete and his brother Pat as they tour around the castle and recount the process of putting the castle together, piece by piece. Enjoy this amusing synthesis of old-world classical sensibilities and folksy American pragmatism and humor.