Film Festival an Inspiring Display of Michigan-Made Industry

When I first set out to cover the , my editor told me to have fun and make sure my writing reflected that. It was my first time covering a film festival — or, for that matter, speaking with real actors — so I was a little anxious to make sure it all came out well. Plus, I would be working; I shouldn’t have too much fun, right?

Turns out it was hard not to enjoy myself at the first , held in conjunction with the second annual Detroit Independent Film Festival, on Friday and Saturday at the and  movie theaters. At least 19 films were screened, including five premieres, not to mention dozens of short films.

I managed to see two films during the event: the premieres of Kill the Irishman and Things Fall Apart, two of the festival’s biggest showings. While I’m no expert in independent films, I enjoyed both immensely, particularly Kill the Irishman for its gritty look at gang wars in 1970s Cleveland. It doesn’t hurt that I spoke with three of its actors before the screening, .

Even when I tried to sit back and watch the movies, my reporter’s eye couldn’t help but notice the buzz throughout the theater. This wasn’t like catching an ordinary flick at the Palladium on a Friday night, there was something palpable in the way anticipation hung in the air.

People were excited for the film to begin — and not just because they were tired of those goofy “Which celebrity said this?” slides. No, they were excited because most of those in attendance worked on these films. They were the gaffers, the costume designers, the hair stylists, the electricians. They were the second assistant sound editors, and they were proud of it. Almost the entire audience stayed for the credits, if only to find their name and cheer.

It’s scenes like that that make one concerned with the future of the Michigan film industry. I won’t take a stand on for making films in Michigan, but I would be sorry to see such passion leave the state should the number of film projects trickle off in the next few years.

I’m just happy Birmingham could be a part of something as creative and inspiring as the Uptown Film Festival. Film festivals tend to more of an urban event; thus the Detroit Independent Film Festival, which had even more showings over the  weekend at Wayne State University and the Burton Theater downtown. For Michigan’s film elite to venture out to Birmingham is an honor. Perhaps next year the city can take more of a proactive role in the festival, extending it beyond the theaters and integrating it with the rest of the community

So yes, I had fun at the Uptown Film Festival and I hope Birmingham Patch's  coverage showed it. It’s easy to enjoy yourself when you’re surrounded by those who take pride in their work and love celebrating and sharing it with others. One can only hope the same sense of optimism exists next year.