Mark Murray introduced today’s speakers: Scott Westfall (business owner and a professor at Adrian College) and Michael Neal (Festival Director and a 2012 graduate of AC is also a professor there) who spoke to us about a unique and exciting event coming to Adrian – a Film Festival this summer in May (18 & 19)!Scott began by sharing with us how this all came about as a simple idea he approached Michael about who agreed that they would “make this happen”! Michael credits Scott with providing him with business and legal advice and would not be where he is with the project without it.
Michael said that this event will showcase filmmakers of all kinds by bringing people together the best storytelling, press, industry, and film enthusiasts from around the world for the 2-day celebration. A total of 38 films will be shown in 8 different venues, he said, who will each host a different genre of film. For example, the Croswell will host all of the “feature” films. The Adrian Armory will host the documentary films while the Seasons will host the “Shorts”, the Lenawee Historical Museum will host the “Documentary Shorts”, the “Animation films” will be hosted at the Steele Carriage House, and the “Student films” will be hosted between AC and SHU.
Seven additional events will be hosted at these venues as well, Michael said. There will be an outdoor screening at Comstock Park and discussion of the film titled “The Page Fence Giants” produced by Michael himself along with the author of a soon-to-be-released book on the subject. Interactive student activities will also take place allowing them to interact with real industry professionals. Panel discussions will also take place. The event will culminate with an Awards Ceremony. An audience award will be named as well.
A trolley will run between downtown and AC and Siena Heights. Refreshments will be available at most of the venues. There will be outdoor gathering areas for festival pass holders and more fun for the whole family, he said. Michael encouraged any other potential film makers to take part by showing their productions and registering to do so by March 31st at www.filmfreeway.com/adrianfilm . For more info and specific ticket prices you can go to: www.filmfreeway.com . Michael Neal’s contact info is: mike@adrianfilm.org; 517-902-2988. They are hoping to sell 500 festival passes this first year and have 200 festival entries.