Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. Animated. Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.
Runtime: 85 min
Rating: PG
It's a battle of east versus west, of haves versus have-nots, with a year, if not a lifetime of bragging rights at stake. Go deep into a town that wears its heart on its sleeve as two rival Michigan high school football teams prepare to face off in the final game of the 2023 season. Bay City Central has dominated the 48-year rivalry, but the inner-city school has struggled in recent years with declining enrollment. Bay City Western is a thriving rural school with an energetic coach but struggles to shake its identity as Central's "little brother." An original MLive documentary.
Dir: Gillian Van Stratt
Runtime: 60 minutes
Not Rated
The best case for conservation of public land is made by understanding the history of a place, then trekking into wilderness to experience the deep sense of spirituality that only nature can provide. Spirit of the National Parks is a hybrid genre, consisting of four tent-pole historical chapters, surrounded and supported by 20 adventure-travel segments throughout Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We uncover the history and legends of the Native American people who lived there, the history of white settlement, and the controversial formation of the National Lakeshore. The history of its unique agriculture, shipwrecks of the Manitou Passage, and its beautiful lighthouses round out our historical chapters. Our story is authentically told by expert historians, park rangers, conservationists, explorers, and a large cast of real people who truly love Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Director: Keith Andrew Patterson
Runtime: 50 min
Not Rated
The Diamond Couple undertakes an existential and epiphanic journey through the memories of a centenarian couple; as a meditation on the power of memory, it offers a vision of aging that emphasizes not loss, but the capacity to renew an attachment to life with each instant that passes.
Dir: Sonja Bertucci
Runtime: 80 min
A collection of short films made by students across the state of Michigan. Including:
SONGS FROM THE SKY (Director: Patrice Scott Jr. Grand Valley State University) After Phyllis discovers that her daughter Cecilia can read, she’s torn between abiding to her slave owner’s commands or encouraging her daughter that reading is a pathway to their freedom. Runtime: 12:30
HAVE A NICE DAY (Director: Remee Morse. Writer: Aidan McPartlin, Central Michigan University) Two friends begin butting heads after one of them lets in a bumbling vacuum salesman. Runtime: 30 minutes
SCATTERBRAIN (Director: Kincaid D. Hopkins, Motion Picture Institute) An unorganized writer named Levi convinces himself that there is a mysterious man living inside of his home, watching him. An unhealthy obsession begins as the man manifests into Levi’s work, all the while Levi struggles to prove that this stranger is real. 11 minutes
FEAST YOUR EYES (Director: Danielle Pollak, Michigan State University) An amateur producer of a reality TV show is drawn in by his subject's repressed hunger for human flesh. 25 minutes
PROTEUS (Director: Tanner Hamilton, Grand Valley State University) Two stranded astronauts descend into paranoia and madness after a mysterious deep-space accident. 12 minutes
THERE GOES STACY (Director: Gabriel Del Rosario, Wayne State University). In suburban Detroit in 1988, high schooler Bryan is the type of kid who stays out of trouble but has his eyes set on Stacy, his childhood friend. However, her overprotective boyfriend, Ted, forbids him from talking to her. Despite warnings against making a move even from his best friend Fraser, Bryan must trust his instincts and overcome the pressures of social hierarchy to reconnect with Stacy. Runtime: 18 min
This duo of documentary films made in Michigan have a focus on social justice.
CITIZEN: THE JILMAR RAMOS STORY tells the story of following the near-deportation of U.S. citizen and Marine Jilmar Ramos-Gomez, despite the fact he had his passport in his pocket. Directed by Jose Guadalupe Jimenez Jr. (Runtime: 30 min)
WRONGED: Maurice Carter is wrongfully convicted of a crime he did not commit in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and finds himself ensnared in a unjust legal system. As he spends years behind bars, his hope dwindles, until his case catches the attention of Doug Tjapkes, a former radio newsman who believes he can help. Doug, along with a dedicated group of supporters, embarks on a relentless fight to prove Maurice's innocence, uncovering buried evidence and exposing the deep flaws within the justice system. Their battle against the odds reveals not only the systemic racism and corruption that led to Maurice's conviction but also the power of determination, faith, and the human spirit in the quest for justice. Directed by: Nate Roels (Runtime 43 minutes)
Kevin (Mark McKenna; Sing Street) and his girlfriend, Cody (Lukita Maxwell; Shrinking), are two months into his family's annual trip at their Northern Michigan home. Amid peaceful days and adventurous nights, Kevin and Cody awaken to reality: This time together will eventually end, and each moment may become a fleeting memory.Also starring Louise Barnes (Black Sails) , Katie Baker (The Mosquito Coast), Tony Horton, Jun Yu (Mulan)
Director: Jared Isaac
Runtime: 98 minutes
Not Rated
This is a FREE SCREENING.
A riveting documentary detailing the case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a Native American woman who disappeared in 2020. Her story exposes how hundreds of indigenous women continue to go missing in the USA, perpetuating trans-generational trauma on Indian reservations.
Director: Sabrina Van Tassel
Runtime: 101 minutes
Discussion to follow the film
A collection of short documentary films covering a range of subject matter, including:
BREASTS NOT REQUIRED . (Directors Hannah Sullivan & Seth Thompson). Eight women tell their mastectomy stories, and challenge societal expectations for reconstruction. Along the way, they expose the breast implant industry, and the problematic policies and health issues that create harm. Runtime: 33 minutes
POWER LINES (Dir: Rick Flynn) Redistricting isn't about lines. Redistricting is about power. Who controls that power? That's up to you. “Power Lines,” created with the support of The Carter Center, is a non-partisan blueprint for a more perfect democracy. In 2018, Michiganders voted to amend the state constitution, ending a system where redistricting was controlled behind closed doors. The amendment created the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, made up of 13 citizens, which took power away from legislators and made the process fully public. The commission drew the 2022 maps, receiving over 30,000 comments, and produced some of the fairest maps in the country, reflecting the state's electorate for the first time in a generation. "Power Lines" traces this journey from the amendment's passage through its challenges in the Michigan Supreme Court. Runtime: 10 min
VOICES OF TOMORROW (Director: Lena Popilieva). "Voices of Tomorrow" captures the work educators in America are doing with students to restore civic culture in a hyperpolarized society. By fostering viewpoint diversity and free speech in their school communities through civil discourse practices with Sphere Education Initiatives, these educators and their students are revitalizing the most important characteristics of strong democratic citizens - respect, curiosity, and openness. Runtime: 14 minutes
THE CANARY (Director: Camilo Silva). In a climate of mounting censorship threats, "The Canary" captures the resilience of a Michigan librarian and mother of a transgender child as she navigates the imminent closure of her community library amidst fervent book-banning efforts, embodying the fight to preserve the freedom to read in modern-day America. Runtime: 19 minutes
HIGHWAY, MONUMENT (Director: JOJO). This film tells the story of Chinese actress Huang Lu's journey from confusion and oppression to courage and progress through poetic texts and timeless visuals. It delves deeper into the profound significance of the Duku Highway in connecting transportation between the north and south of Xinjiang, developing and constructing border areas, enhancing ethnic unity and integration, and strengthening national defense. Experimental. Runtime: 5 minutes
TSUMUGU: SPINNING THE THREAD OF LIFE. (Director: Toko Shiiki). A Japanese Manga Artist/survivor of childhood trauma gleaned invaluable insights on spinning the thread of life from her personal journey. Runtime: 10 minutes
A collection of short films made by filmmakers here in Michigan. Including:
LOST & FOUND (Director: Jaricxel Ramirez-Mata). Two sisters struggle with how to take care of a large red doll. Runtime: 11 minutes
SHANNON IS STRANGE (Directors: Don Hessell and Alan LaFave). A phone call sends Shannon through a labyrinth on her way to an epic showdown with the elusive Jack. Will she succeed or fail at her quest? What we know for sure is that Shannon Is Strange.Embark on a Bowie-inspired odyssey that celebrates deep tracks, eclectic friends, playful diversions, and the underdog in a small town. Runtime: 17 minutes
LEGADO (Director: Eric Limarenko) A screendance short focused on movement. Runtime: 6 minutes
THE RECIPE (Director: Daniel Wylie-Eggert) A discussion of a family recipe being passed down to a new generation. Runtime 16 minutes
PORT SANILAC: HARBOR OF REFUGE (Director: Clark Birchmeier). Two down on their luck friends hide out in an empty Michigan resort town in order to survive a zombie apocalypse. Runtime: 20 minutes
DEVOLUTION (Director: Mark Broe). A couple fights for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Runtime: 10 minutes.
THE CREAKING: The Garden Awakens. In this live action Minecraft short film, Steve finds himself in the mysterious Pale Garden. Little does he know, these woods are guarded by a race of beings called the Creaking.
In the city of Flint, Michigan there was once a thriving neighborhood of predominately Black citizens known as St. John Street. But that all changed when urban renewal and the highway came through the city. Displaced and forgotten for over 60 years, see the story of a community that no longer exists, forgotten in time, until now.
Director: Justin Rodney Brown
Runtime: 55 minutes
Not Rated
12-year-old Bailey lives with her single dad Bug and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids, and Bailey, who is approaching puberty, seeks attention and adventure elsewhere. Starring newcomer Nykia Adams, Franz Rogowski, Barry Keoghan, Jason Buda, Jasmine Jobson, Frankie Box.
Director: Andrea Arnold
Runtime: 119 minutes
Rated R
All are invited to attend our annual Party at Art Reach Mid Michigan from 7-9pm Saturday night to help celebrate the 22nd annual CMIFF five-day festival! Heavy appetizers and beer/wine catered by Mountaintown Station are included in the $15 ticket fee. Jury Awards will be announced. All proceeds support the Central Michigan International Film Festival. All Festival pass holders get in free!
In the early 1970s, the military dictatorship in Brazil reaches its height. The Paiva family - Rubens, Eunice, and their five children - live in a beachside house in Rio, open to all their friends. One day, Rubens is taken for questioning and does not return. Named Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars!
Director: Walter Salles
Runtime: 138 minutes
Rated: PG-13
In the midst of a creative crisis after years of making short films, a group of friends foolishly endeavor on the best possible way to break out of their seemingly hopeless situation: make their first feature film with no money, credibility, or talent.
Directed by Jason Taylor.
A criminal psychologist struggles to help a serial killer, stricken with amnesia, come to grips with his heinous crimes.
Directed by Nicholas Shields.
Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream. Directed by Julio Torres. Starring: Julio Torres, Tilda Swinton, Isabella Rossellini, RZA, James Scully, Greta Lee
Rated R
Corporate drone Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) hates his soul-killing job at software company Initech. While undergoing hypnotherapy, Peter is left in a blissful state when his therapist dies in the middle of their session. He refuses to work overtime, plays games at his desk and unintentionally charms two consultants into putting him on the management fast-track.
**VHS Night is a feature of the Broadway Theater and not a feature of CMIFF, therefore tickets are available via The Broadway’s ticket site for $8 in advance/$10 at the door.
A lyrical, decades-spanning exploration across a woman's life in Mississippi, the feature debut from award-winning poet, photographer and filmmaker Raven Jackson is a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us. The New Yorker called it “the directorial debut of the year.”
Directed by Raven Jackson.
Rated PG-13
Hirayama is content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, books, and taking photos of trees. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world.
Directed by Wim Wenders
Cast: Koji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano, Aoi Yamada, Yumi Asou, Sayuri Ishikawa
Locally made short films from a variety of genres.
CAGED LION - John Paul Kerfoot
THE ART ASSISTANT - Sophie Worm
SALAMANDER - Paul Rothman
SLASHCHAT - Trenton Morgan
LONE WOLF - Nicholas D Gascho & Brittany Dunn
SOME STRINGS ATTACHED - Corinne Dukes
FAREWELL TOUR - Erik Howard
GIVE US A SMILE - Alessia Fionda
THE BOY & THE GALAXY - Isaac Shultz
UP IN MICHIGAN - Jack Lawrence
No one fights to preserve a multiplex, but some people will risk everything to save a marquee. Through booms and busts, Delft Theatres Inc. - and its innovative gem, The Nordic - endured in Marquette for almost 100 years, even as the world changed endlessly around them.
Local kid Bernie Rosendahl’s modern crusade to restore the historic arthouse to its former glory leads filmmakers to discover a hidden cinema empire in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Portraying the fascinating history of motion pictures through one iconic screen - "Marqueetown" is the true story of chasing your dreams, redefining failure and success, and reembracing the enduring magic of movies.
Directors Joe Beyer and Jordan Anderson will be on hand for a Q&A after the film
A Mexican American family, whose lives revolve around their legendary restaurant, prepares for their annual family reunion dinner oblivious to the fact that a shattered taco truck dream is about to change everything.
Directed by Nadia Zoe.
Rated PG-13
**Michigan Premiere**
In a strict boarding school nestled in the Himalayas, 16-year-old Mira discovers desire and romance. But her sexual, rebellious awakening is disrupted by her mother who never got to come of age herself. Shuchi Talati’s debut film offers a sensitive and distinctive take on the fraught dynamics between mothers and daughters. Fresh off it’s premiere at Sundance, this is GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS first screenings in Michigan.
In English and Hindi with subtitles.
A diverse collection of short films made by college students.
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS - Kamilla Julia Kostrubiec (College of Creative Studies)
GORO GORO - Ryotaro Sawada & Agatha Tiara Christa (Savannah College of Art & Design)
OFFICER DAVE - Mateo Robert Bartlett (Motion Picture Institute)
LINT - Jack Horrigan (Saginaw Valley State University)
CRIME CLEANERS - Taylor University students
SITCOM SYNDROME - Taylor University students
NOTHING IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - Caleb Couvion (Taylor University)
SINCERELY, JONAH - Cyan Shreve (Howard University)
ARCADERS - Abby Goebel (Taylor University)
GOLDEN GATE - Marissa Dutton (University of Michigan)
BURNING UP - Shaun Samtani (University of Michigan)
YOU’RE BREAKING UP, I’M GOING TO CALL YOU BACK - Mira H. Steuer (Ohio University)
UNTITLED AND UNFINISHED - Justin Park-Swanson (University of Michigan)
THRESHOLD - Tanner Hamilton (Grand Valley State University)
AISLE 5 - Taylor University students
An eclectic selection of innovative short films made by students in grades K-12. Come see films made by our youngest filmmakers!
THE ERASERVERSE - Made by students from Indian Hills Elementary (grades 4-6)
STATIC ETERNITY - Academy of Entertainment Arts at Hollins High School (St. Petersburg, FL)
JUNE’S HALLOWEEN - Blue Water Middle College (Port Huron, MI)
BEYOND THE GATE - Hickory High School and Governor's School of the Arts (Chesapeake, VA)
BREADWINNERS! - Savannah Arts Academy (Savannah, GA)
1, 2, 3 RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT - Taipei Municipal Song-Shan Senior High School
NON-STOP FOCUS - East High School (Denver, CO)
TVC-15: THE RETURN OF MAJOR TOM - Downriver Detroit Student Film Consortium
DEAN’S LIST - Savannah Arts Academy (Savannah, GA)
MAGIC ERASER: DELETE! - Chung Cheng Elementary School, New Taipei City
GAME PLAN - Zionsville Community High School (Zionsville, IN)
IT’S YOUR CHOICE - Audrey Maxon from San Domenico School (San Rafael, CA)
TABULA RASA: A FRESH START - Savannah Arts Academy (Savannah, GA)
WATER STAR MEDICINE (NASA) - Turquoise Trail Middle School/MESA Foundation
KUINERRAQ - MESA Foundation
Destined to be remembered as one of the great films about the meaning, texture, and experience of food, this sumptuous, exceptionally well-crafted work, set in late 19th-century France, stars Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel (married, decades ago, in real life) as Eugénie, a cook, and Dodin, the gourmet chef she has been working with for 20 years. As they reach middle age, they can no longer deny their mutual romantic feelings, which have so long been concentrated in their passionate professionalism. This simple narrative—based upon Marcel Rouff’s 1924 novel La passion de Dodin-Bouffant, Gourmet—sets the table for a sublime, sense-heightening exploration of pleasure, in which the play of sunlight across a late-afternoon kitchen is as meaningful as the image of a perfectly poached pear or the crisp of a buoyant vol-au-vent. Director Trân Anh Hùng won the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival for his bravura, scrupulously deployed feat of epicurean cinema.
Directed by Anh Hung Tran.
In French with English subtitles
Rated PG-13
In order to escape a life of crime and drug abuse, Stan Zuray decided to leave his life in Boston behind and found his way to the remote interior of Alaska. This documentary follows the Discovery Channel star's life that he’s built for the last 40+ years, while processing the trauma that brought him to homestead in the middle of nowhere. It showcases parts of Stan's life that Discovery wouldn't show.
Throughout the film we follow Stan through his day to day activities, showcasing a beautiful yet brutal relationship with nature and we learn what it means to take control of your own life.
Director Ryan Walsh is a CMU grad and will be on hand for a Q&A after the film.
