Staff Pick
For nearly everyone, losing your engine is a life-threatening event. Airshow pilot Eric Tucker is one of the few in the world who dares to make it an art form.
Adventure
35 films at Fresh Coast 2024
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26,000 Days
A Line in the Snow
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, First Time Filmmaker, Filmmaker in Attendance
A mother-daughter group learns valuable life and wilderness skills in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world, powered only by their own two feet and a team of four legged friends. With multiple trips to the North Pole, South Pole, Greenland, and Svalbard on her resume, she is embarking on one of her greatest adventures yet: motherhood.
Aldo's Bug Extravaganza
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere
Join 5-year-old Aldo and his dad on a backyard safari filled with tiny wonders and big laughs. Armed with a camera and boundless curiosity, Aldo embarks on a bug-hunting escapade, narrating his discoveries with adorable wit and charm. As the week unfolds, Aldo’s wide-eyed explorations not only capture the audience’s imagination, but also subtly echo the timeless wisdom of Aldo Leopold, making for a delightful and endearing ode to the joy of nature’s smallest marvels.
Anton
Adult Language, Michigan Premiere
Anton Krupicka is an icon of mountain running in the USA. At 23-years-old he won Leadville 100 in Colorado and more recently has blazed a high altitude trail on extensive bikepacking tours.
We wanted to know what drove Anton to chase these experiences. A need for self reliance and a desire for discovery have fueled years of awe-inspiring achievements that have motivated runners, cyclists and climbers around the world. In this film, Anton dives into the purpose behind his pursuits.
Belonging: A Journey of Inclusion and Nature
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
In ‘Belonging,’ follow Dalorian, a student in the college course GCST 1970, as he embarks on a journey through nature-based education and environmental justice. Exploring serene Minnesota lakes and the Bois Forte Museum, he and his classmates confront a profound question: What does it mean to belong in nature? This film weaves raw, poetic visuals with deep reflections on identity and community, highlighting their transformative experience in understanding their connection to the natural world.
Can't
Michigan Premiere
In 2021, a tragic car accident left Veranique (or V, as she’s known at Rox) paralyzed from the waist down. After a long stint in the hospital and multiple surgeries, doctors told Varanique she would never walk again. While this news would reshape her life, it wouldn’t alter her vibrant spirit. Veranique knew the key to living a full life rested in her mindset. In 2022, V set out to find a job, landing at Memphis Rox, a climbing gym in South Memphis. Witnessing climbing for the first time, she thought the gym would keep her behind the front desk — that she couldn’t participate in the sport. Until she did. Surrounded by community, Veranique is now a regular climber with a philosophy on and off the wall that the sky’s the limit.
Canyon Chorus
Subject in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community. As a child, Mikah believed he could never have a successful life AND be publicly out and gay. When he moved to college and met Larry, his openly gay choir professor, a lifelong mentorship was born. Amidst conversations and joy along the river, we understand the power and importance of their friendship. As Larry enters what he calls the ‘final chapter’ of his life, he reflects on the lifelong fight for openness and vulnerability within the queer community, and through the desolation of nature, finds contentment in a job well done.
Champions of the Golden Valley
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.
Cycling Without Age
Has Subtitles, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
This is a story about the power of feeling wind in your hair, no matter where you are on life’s journey. John is a retired school teacher who uses his pedal-powered rickshaw to give adventures to people who have lost the ability to get outside themselves. Through the intimate moments of these rides, _Cycling Without Age _explores the importance of the outdoors for those who are all too often trapped inside.
Dirt Relations
Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
The Story of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the powerful connection between mountain biking, reconciliation, and healing intergenerational trauma. Through captivating storytelling and breathtaking visuals, the film follows the journey of three individuals: Patrick, Thomas, and Tom, as they collaborate with Indigenous communities across British Columbia to build trails and empower Indigenous youth.
Elladj
Family Friendly, First Time Filmmaker, Staff Pick
“Elladj" follows the remarkable journey of Elladj Balde, a Canadian figure skater whom found his voice and fan base through wild ice skating. The film centers on the transformative power of embracing one’s passion over measurable results.
Forward
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.
Goodbye, Hunter
Filmmaker in Attendance, Has Subtitles, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, First Time Filmmaker
For the Frigon, hunting is a family tradition that forges and strengthens the bonds between the generations. For several autumns already, Louis-Henri has been tracking moose with his grandson, Sasha. However, at the dawn of his 81st birthday, old age reminds him that his career as a hunter is now behind him. For the first time this year, Louis-Henri will not go for the hunt and Sasha will leave without him. Goodbye, Hunter offers an intimate look at the transmission of a long family tradition.
Hooked: A Salmon Fishing Documentary
Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, First Time Filmmaker
Department of Natural Resources officer, Jay Wesley, and two avid outdoorsmen dive into the importance of salmon preservation in one of the top fisheries in the country because of the effect salmon has on the freshwater ecosystem of Michigan.
I've Decided These Sticks Have Value
World Premiere, Staff Pick
An examination of how two small sticks, randomly acquired in Minnesota’s north woods, have slowly transformed into treasured possessions.
In Waves: 20 years of Sleeping Bear Surf
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Staff Pick
‘In Waves’ gives us a glimpse into the joy that has cultivated a culture of Great Lakes connection. In 2004, visionary Beryl Skrocki founded Sleeping Bear Surf with a dream of sharing the potential for freshwater play. Now, 20 years later, her legacy lives on.
KINGS OF THE KENAI
Family Friendly, Representative in Attendance, Michigan Premiere
The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) was founded 30 years ago by Bob Penney with a strong and clear mission: sustain the local King salmon population in order to preserve the Kenai’s status as the greatest sportfishing river in the world. Over the years the organization has grown, developing numerous conservation and sustainability projects to support the health of this one-of-a-kind waterway – several of which are explored in the film.
Lasting Water Quality
Filmmaker in Attendance, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere
The Leelanau Conservancy’s long-running, highly trusted water quality program. This video profiles Chase Heise of the Leelanau Conservancy as we venture out onto Lake Leelanau to learn more about their water quality program that has been operating continuously for over 30 years, and the overall health of our freshwater lakes in northern Michigan.
Made out Here
Michigan Premiere
Dan Craven, or Dan from Nam, as he was known during his professional road racing career, had for years dreamt of starting his own handmade bike brand at home in Namibia. He had travelled the world for riding and racing bikes, but he knew that to find the best builders, returning home to Namibia would make the most sense. When it comes to using their hands, Namibian skill sets are highly developed so that, whether it’s in the arts like sculpture or pottery or in the trades like mechanics and builders, their dexterity, precision and attention to detail are invaluable.
Michigan's Skiing Legacy
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere, Staff Pick, Making Waves Recipient
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the birthplace of organized skiing in America.It is also home to the National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and one of the oldest ski clubs in the country. This documentary film explores the skiing culture that continues to shape the lives of those who consider themselves Yoopers.
Montenegro, MMXXIII
Family Friendly, Filmmaker in Attendance
A look back at one month spent in the beautiful country of Montenegro, recorded with a combination of Super 8 Film, Drone hyperlapses, digital timelapses and handheld sound recording.
Planetwalker
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
In 1971 John Francis, known the world over as ‘Planetwalker,’ witnessed an oil tanker collision in the San Francisco Bay. The sight of oiled birds on the shoreline caused him to give up motorized transport and rely solely on his own two feet. Months after that he took a vow of silence convinced that listening rather than adding fuel to any fire was the way ahead.
He didn’t talk, but he kept on walking clear across the country and back again. During the next seventeen silent years he listened and studied the world around him.
Racing for the Next 7
Michigan Premiere
“The Seventh Generation Principle is an indigenous concept originating from the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois Confederacy), in which you think about the next seven generations coming after you in your words, work, and actions; and to remember the seven generations who came before you.
Ripple: Casting For Change
Filmmaker in Attendance, Representative in Attendance
Six elementary school girls fly to an island in the middle of Lake Michigan to test their fly fishing skill. The girls are members of a school sponsored Adventure Club that focuses on building community, belonging, and leadership skills to change the narrative of what girls can and can not do. During the two day trip the girls discuss the pressures of growing up in a digital world and the need for nature based connections like fly fishing.
Seeing Double
Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, Staff Pick, First Time Filmmaker
Original Bluegrass music plus mountain biking with a twist. All self filmed clips plus editing lead to an illusion of the biker being filmed by himself.
The Bike Listening Tour
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, World Premiere, First Time Filmmaker, Subject in Attendance
The Bike Listening Tour follows Andrew Mohama on his solo cycling tour across America as he investigates loneliness. Inspired by his passion for community, Mohama sets out to learn more about the Loneliness Epidemic in America, biking along less-traveled rural roads and, at one point, biking across “America’s Loneliest Highway.”
The Careist
Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
Between the Ohio and Mississippi riverbanks sit the United States’ 15th International Wetland of Importance. Yet, the wetlands today are mere remnants of their original borders. Max Hutchison is a naturalist, ecologist, zoologist, and lifelong voice for preserving the wetlands he also calls home. The Careist is an ode to Max, a way of life, and a natural area long overlooked and daring to disappear forever.
The Migration of the Blue Spotted Salamander
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly
Nick is at Presque Isle Park on a rainy night in Marquette Michigan to witness the migration of the Blue Spotted Salamander. Tyler Penrod from the Superior Watershed Partnership shares his knowledge about these blue spotted friends.
The River Cowboy
Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere, Staff Pick
Since 1996, a quiet man in the backwoods of Eastern Kentucky has taken it upon himself to clean tires out of the Wild and Scenic Red River. Now 28 years later, friends, environmental groups, and community members are rallying to support annual cleanups in an effort to keep the river beautiful and to try and stop the trash and tires from making it there in the first place.
The Search
Filmmaker in Attendance, First Time Filmmaker
“The Search” follows Great Lakes Surfer Hunter Lohman on his journey to chase waves and his idea of true happiness. With the mystery and inconsistency that comes with lake surfing, Hunter will persevere through unpredictability to find solidarity and serenity in the places he goes and in the life he has chosen for himself.
The Ultra Pickle Project
Michigan Premiere, First Time Filmmaker
Can 100 miles change you? Superior 100 is one of the most challenging trail races in the Midwest. See the stories behind 6 unique people who choose to push themselves beyond their limits to test their resilience and grit.
The Wintering Grounds
Representative in Attendance, Michigan Premiere
For most of the year, bands of world class freestyle kayakers roam the land in search of waves. But when the rivers freeze, everyone finds their way to a special spot on the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia border. Squatting in an abandoned parking lot, they spend the winter training for the next world championships on North America’s best winter whitewater. Although called “certifiable lunatics” by the locals, this tight knit group is proof of the power of family and that indeed everything is more fun with friends.
The World Is Ours
Michigan Premiere, Family Friendly, Has Subtitles
Currently, post pandemic, one in two young people show symptoms of anxiety and depression. The World is ours is a film that gives the opportunity to six Montreal teenage girls to leave their urban environment for the first time to take part in a nature canoe-camping expedition.
This is Jackson Marvell
Adult Language
This is Jackson Marvell. He’s totaled 5 trucks, hauled kegs up rock towers, and rarely (if ever) brushed his hair.
Introducing episode 1 of our multi-part film series profiling inspiring personalities who have dedicated their lives to ‘getting after it.’
Troubled Water
Filmmaker in Attendance, Family Friendly, First Time Filmmaker, Representative in Attendance, Staff Pick
Troubled Water is an exhilarating adventure, conservation film that beckons viewers to follow along on a transformative journey down the stunning coast of Lake Michigan. As the journey unfolds, the film unveils the significance of the Line 5 pipeline issue, the dire need for collective action and the historic precedent that this movement would establish. If successfully shutdown, it would become the first active pipeline in US history to be terminated before it ruptures.