Although winter may usher in blowing snow and colder temps, a hot attraction in Mt. Pleasant is the Central Michigan International Film Festival. Hosted by Central Michigan University’s School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts and the Film Society, this popular festival spotlights features from multiple countries and genres as well as independent and student produced short films.
Lighting up the indie film marquee is “Superior.” Set in 1969 this film focuses on two friends and recent high school graduates, who set off on a 1,300-mile bicycle journey around the shores of Lake Superior. This buddy comedy-drama offers breathtaking views of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula as the two main characters encounter some eccentric Yoopers along their journey.
Five student films, produced by current and former Film Society members, feature titles from the drama, comedy and thriller genres.
The drama, “Tundra” follows a man traveling across a frozen wasteland searching for shelter and food in a post-apocalyptic world. “Back to Reality” is a drama showing how a woman in a man’s world suffers with the reality of being the odd one out.
If comedy is what you are looking for “Monsters or Whatever” tells the story of a clown attempting to fit in with the cool kids from his high school, but realizing rejection is hard. Another comedic offering, “G for Eugene” illustrates how a young man finds comfort in vlogs when others seem to reject his goofy nature.
And finally, the thriller “Here Kitty Kitty” is about a desperate young man searching, in unconventional ways, for some connection between his brother and himself.
With tickets at an affordable $5 each or $10 for a booklet of 5, movie goers have the opportunity to view critically acclaimed films, at a reasonable cost. Tickets are available at Java City at CMU’s Park Library and Celebration! Cinema in Mt. Pleasant.
Scheduled for February 5-7 and 11-14, films will be screened at Celebration! Cinema in Mt. Pleasant and CMU’s Park Library Auditorium.
See www.cmiff.com for a complete festival schedule and description of all films.
Darcy Orlik is events coordinator at Central Michigan University’s College of Communications and Fine Arts and a CMU alum.
