Official Selection: “Devils”

Events, Spotlights

The Wolf Tree Film Festival’s 2nd Official Selection “Devils” was shot and cast in Michigan! Bret Miller (Director), is an independent film director working from Atlanta that asks the question: ‘So, what happens to those who are forgotten?’

While taking a final tour of an investment home, a distracted developer is horrified to discover that the deceased owner never left. And she never will.

Get your #WolfTreeFilmFestival tickets here:

Official Selection: “A Is For Apple”

Events, Spotlights

The Wolf Tree Film Festival’s 1st Official Selection is “A Is For Apple” — Directed by Adam Mick Laughlin! This animated, student film hails from Flashpoint Chicago, a campus of Columbia College Hollywood.

A worm finds a city inside an apple, but must escape the fascist government drones inside.

Get your #WolfTreeFilmFestival tickets here:

2022 Wolf Tree Film Festival Official Selections

Events, Spotlights

Congrats to the incredible 2022 #WolfTreeFilmFestival Official Selections! Grab your tickets ASAP for the short film screenings at The Franke, Saturday, Jan 22, 2022. Doors open at 6pm and films roll at 7pm.

CONTENT WARNING: Some films included in this festival contain mature content that may be inappropriate for young viewers and may be triggering for others. Viewer discretion is advised.


A IS FOR APPLE 
Written & Directed by Adam Mick Laughlin · Produced by Killian Heilsberg
A worm finds a city inside an apple, but must escape the fascist government drones inside.


DEVILS 
Written & Directed by Bret Miller · Produced by Ashley Carey
While taking a final tour of an investment home, a distracted developer is horrified to discover that the deceased owner never left. And she never will.


FROM THE DIARY OF A SPACE VILLAN
Directed by Kendall Royce Oswald, Spencer Nolan Oswald · Produced by Spencer Nolan Oswald
There’s perhaps nothing more villainous, and of course nothing more space, than a space villain. In this film, a villainous space bounty hunter by the name of Keith, carries out a task in a very poetic-like manner.


HUDSON HOGSETT: KINDA INTO SOCCER 
Directed by Jordan Presley · Produced by Andrew Stewart
While Hudson and his immediate circle of family, friends, and coaches won’t say this (they’re too humble) we believe that Hudson is one of the most special soccer talents in North America in his age group. Our brief for telling his story was to walk the fine line between showcasing the incredible talent that is Hudson Hogsett, while also showing the grounded nature of him being a kid.


LICENSE & REGISTRATION 
Written & Directed by Jackson Ezinga · Produced by Jackson Ezinga, Chris Randall
Elliott Nelson, a cop impersonator with good intentions, makes his first traffic stop.


PERPETUAL PLASTIC
Directed by Eric Ebner · Produced by Guillem Rius · Edited by Scott Elliott
Millions of single use plastics are discarded every day across the globe. What happens then? Artist liina klauss attempts to visualize the journey of all disgraced plastics through her installation on a beach in Bali, Indonesia. First Prize at the National Geographic Society Ocean Plastic Innovation Challenge.


STATIC SPACE
Directed by John Klein, Kate Black-Spence
Jamie is a young woman living in rural Indiana struggling to figure out her place and identity. When she inadvertently stumbles across a frequency on her ham radio and makes contact with astronaut Noa currently orbiting Earth, the two women are presented with the opportunity to find meaningful connection, even while worlds apart.


THE I’S HAVE IT 
Directed & Choreographed by Kayla Schiltgen · Camerawork by Jasper Meddock
“the I’s have it” explores responding to the innermost voice. Filmed in the dense forest of Northern Minnesota, the setting creates a space equal to the depths of one’s mind, challenging the dancer, cinematographer and viewer to allow themselves to get lost, listen deeply, and perhaps find something new.


THE PEACE PIPELINE
Directed by Gitz Crazyboy, Tito Ybarra
Comedians and activists Gitz Crazyboy and Tito Ybarra pose as a indigenous energy company sharing plans to reroute Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through the wealthy white suburbs of Duluth, MN, to more fairly share the risks oil pipelines bring to indigenous lands—with shocking and hilarious results.


Time’s Running Out! Last Chance to Submit Films to the 2022 Wolf Tree Film Festival.

Events

Hey YPC friends!

Last chance to submit your short films to the 2022 Wolf Tree Film Festival before the DEADLINE: DEC 12, 2021. We look forward to viewing your works of art and have already received some fantastic submissions!

Over the years, the #WolfTreeFilmFestival housed in historic Marshall, Michigan, a gorgeous small town with a vibrant artistic community, has showcased many inspiring cinema works, cultivated networking opportunities between aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals (such as Lance Barber, Oliver Robins, & Sebastian Twardosz), and celebrated the creativity and unique charm of the Great Lakes region. Check out Wolf Tree’s past Official Selections to get hyped for next year’s event!

SCREENINGS

January 22, 2022 | 7PM | Franke Center For the Arts
Hosted by John Matthew Riopelle | Pre-screening Mixer Downstage Club | 6PM

Announcing 2022 Wolf Tree Host: John Matthew Riopelle!

Spotlights

Announcing our 2022 #WolfTreeFilmFestival host: John Matthew Riopelle! Riopelle is an actor, playwright, lyricist and screenwriter with an MFA in screenwriting and playwriting from Point Park University. He is the winner of the Gilman Gonzalez-Falla Musical Theater Award, a two-time Richard Rodgers and Jonathan Larson Grant finalist and a Fred Ebb Musical Theater Award finalist. His musical, “Streets of America,” with score by Tony Award Winner, Michael Rupert, was developed at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in conjunction with American University as part of their Inaugural Page to Stage Series on the Millennium Stage.

Matthew grew up in Detroit and studied acting at the Cranbrook Theater School and Actor’s Alliance Theater Conservatory. Since then he has lived in Los Angeles writing feature films, pilots (“Sullivan in Cuba,” “Blind Pig,” “Chavez,” “Left,” “The Camel Knows the Way,” & more), Broadway plays, and has a brother who is also a local artistic director and actor here in Marshall. We are excited to welcome Matthew to the Wolf Tree lineup and hope to see you all there next year!


WOLF TREE SCREENINGS

FEATURING HOST JOHN MATTHEW RIOPELLE
JANUARY 22, 2022 | 7PM | THE FRANKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

GENERAL ADMISSION
ADV. $15  |  $18

Reminder: 2022 Wolf Tree Submissions Open!

Events
2022 Wolf Tree Film Festival
SHORT FILM SCREENING
JANUARY 22, 2022 | 8PM
EST

GENERAL ADMISSION

ADVANCE $15 | $18 AT DOOR

SUBMISSIONS CLOSED: DECEMBER 1, 2021


In its fourth year, Wolf Tree Film Festival showcases films set in the Great Lakes region or that include themes or topics related to the region, as well as the work of filmmakers who reside in or grew up in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region is defined as any state or territory that touches one of the Great Lakes (including Ontario, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York).

Submitted films should be no longer than 30 minutes, and all genres will be considered.

The festival will take place at The Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall, MI* and will include screenings of each selected film, a Q&A with select filmmakers, an awards presentation, and a filmmaker roundtable with industry professionals.

The Wolf Tree Film Festival is housed in historic Marshall, Michigan, a gorgeous small town with a vibrant artistic community. Hosted by the Franke Center for the Arts and Marshall’s Youngish Professionals Committee, the festival is held at Franke Center, originally a church built in 1921, now an arts complex that is the proud home of world-class concerts, inspiring theater, and award-winning movies.

*The festival will adhere to all public health and safety recommendations at the time of the event

KEY DATES
Dec 1, 2021: FilmFreeway deadline for submissions
January 5, 2022: Filmmaker Notification date
January 22, 2022: Wolf Tree Film Festival at the Franke Center


Wolf Tree Film Festival 2022

Events
Wolf Tree Film Festival

Wolf Tree Film Festival 2022

SHORT FILM SCREENING
JANUARY 22, 2022 | 7PM
EST
FRANKE CENTER AUDITORIUM
214 E. MANSION ST. MARSHALL, MI 49068
DOORS & BAR OPENS AT 6PM EST (DOWNSTAGE CLUB)
WITH DJ NERVOUS RECS FROM DETROIT
SCREENINGS: 7PM

GENERAL ADMISSION

🎟 ADV. $15 | DOORS $18

🎬 SUBMIT A SHORT FILM (OCTOBER 1)

In its fourth year, Wolf Tree Film Festival showcases films set in the Great Lakes region or that include themes or topics related to the region, as well as the work of filmmakers who reside in or grew up in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region is defined as any state or territory that touches one of the Great Lakes (including Ontario, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York).

Submitted films should be no longer than 30 minutes, and all genres will be considered.

The festival will take place at The Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall, MI* and will include screenings of each selected film, a Q&A with select filmmakers, an awards presentation, and a filmmaker roundtable with industry professionals.

The Wolf Tree Film Festival is housed in historic Marshall, Michigan, a gorgeous small town with a vibrant artistic community. Hosted by the Franke Center for the Arts and Marshall’s Youngish Professionals Committee, the festival is held at Franke Center, originally a church built in 1921, now an arts complex that is the proud home of world-class concerts, inspiring theater, and award-winning movies.

*The festival will adhere to all public health and safety recommendations at the time of the event

Key Dates:
October 1, 2021: FilmFreeway open for submissions
Dec 12, 2021: FilmFreeway deadline for submissions
January 5, 2022: Filmmaker Notification date
January 22, 2022: Wolf Tree Film Festival at the Franke Center

For more information on submission rules and awards, please visit FilmFreeway.


Wolf Tree 2021 FAQs

Wolf Tree Film Festival FAQ’s

Events

It’s almost Wolf Tree time YPC friends! If you have any questions regarding our 2021 virtual event, please read below:

To purchase a full festival ticket ($15) please click on the blue ‘Tickets’ button in the center of the BingeWave page. It sits between the ‘Main Website’ and ‘Support’ buttons below.

In its third year, Wolf Tree Film Festival aims to showcase short films set in the Great Lakes region or that include themes or topics related to the region, as well as the work of filmmakers who reside in or grew up in the Great Lakes region. The festival is fully virtual in 2021 and will include screenings of each selected film.

CONTENT WARNING: some films included in this festival contain mature content that may be inappropriate for young viewers and may be triggering for others. Viewer discretion is advised.

Start Date

January 23, 2021, 6:00 pm

End Date

January 23, 2021, 9:00 pm

Q: I BOUGHT A TICKET BUT CAN’T FIND THE EMAIL CONFIRMATION?

A: Once you have purchased a ticket, a link to the festival site will be sent to the email provided at purchase.  An additional email will be sent Friday and again at 5pm on Saturday. Please check your spam and junk folders for “BingeWave” as the email will be coming from that site.

Q: WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL GOING TO BE LIVE STREAMED?

A: The event will be live streamed on the BingeWave site starting at 6pm this Saturday, January 23, 2021. This is a live screening (meaning we recommend joining at 6pm). You will be able to join late, but may miss some content.

Q: HOW DO I VIEW THE FESTIVAL?

A: Once you click on the link provided in the email from BingeWave, you can watch the event anywhere you would access the internet (laptop, phone, tablet or screencast to your TV). For best viewing, please use your WiFi and do not use the Safari browser or 3G/4G.  

If you have any other questions, please email jdarling(at)frankecenterforthearts(dot)org.

Lance Barber Hosts 2021 Wolf Tree

Battle Creek’s Own Lance Barber To Host 2021 Virtual Wolf Tree

Events
Wolf Tree Film Festival

The Franke Center for the Arts and Marshall’s Youngish Professionals invite you to the 3rd Annual Wolf Tree Film Festival on Saturday, January 23, 2021 in a virtual setting.* This year will feature one of the stars of CBS’ Young Sheldon, Battle Creek’s own, Lance Barber. Lance will emcee the event and do a private filmmaker’s roundtable with the selected filmmakers.

Special Guest: Lance Barber

Lance Barber has the skills to play a wide range of television characters having appeared in numerous shows on the small screen since 2001. An alumnus of Chicago’s Second City, Lance played the role of Paulie G on HBO’s critically acclaimed, The Comeback, which The New York Times described as “among the great villains of television comedy.”

Lance has also had recurring roles on Black-ish, Faking It, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Californication, United States of Tara, and many more. Recently, Lance appeared as Irwin in the feature film, Buster’s Mal Heart opposite Rami Malek. Barber, who was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, began acting with his Pennfield High School Drama Club.

Why “Wolf Tree?” According to legend, the Wolf Tree was a lone, prominent tree that once stood in the middle of Marshall. The first settler in the area sought refuge in the heights of the tree as wolves and bears roamed the dirt lane and forest that would one day become the city’s downtown. Later, a platform was built in the large oak’s branches where it is said a sentry, seeking the faint glow of wolves’ eyes, would hunt, eager to protect the village from threats hidden in the darkness below. It is a wild history, a bold story, and a great homage to the films that will be featured at this exciting annual event.

* Wolf Tree Film Festival will be fully virtual in 2021. The festival will include screenings of each selected film and an awards presentation.

Wolf Tree Film Festival

2021 Virtual Wolf Tree Film Festival

The Franke Center of Marshall invites film buffs to the 3rd Annual Wolf Tree Film Festival which will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 in a virtual setting.* In its third year, Wolf Tree will showcase films set in the Great Lakes region or that include themes or topics related to the region, as well as the work of filmmakers who reside in or grew up in the Great Lakes region. The festival will include screenings of each selected film and an awards presentation. All screenings will be open to the public.

This year will feature one of the stars of CBS’ Young Sheldon, Battle Creek’s own, Lance Barber. Lance will emcee the event and do a private filmmaker’s roundtable with the selected filmmakers. Hosted by the Franke Center for the Arts and Marshall’s Youngish Professionals Committee, the festival will be held virtually for all to view.

BUY TICKETS: https://thefranke.org/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/events/358164972041442

TIME/DATE: January 23, 2021 / 6pm – 9pm (EST)

PLATFORM: Live streamed on BingeWave (Fully Virtual)

 

WOLF TREE ON DEMAND

Starting Sunday, January 24 through Sunday, January 31 at 11pm, The Wolf Tree Film Festival will be available to Watch On Demand. This allows you, the viewer, to watch the festival at your leisure over the course of the next week.

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.bingewave.com/f/wolf-tree-film-festival. Be sure to create a password at the end of your purchase which will allow you to access your tickets anytime through the Account tab once you are logged in.

If you have any questions, please email jdarling(at)frankecenterforthearts(dot)org.

 

FAQ’S

To purchase a full festival ticket ($15) please click on the blue ‘Tickets’ button in the center of the BingeWave page. It sits between the ‘Main Website’ and ‘Support’ buttons below.

Q: I BOUGHT A TICKET BUT CAN’T FIND THE EMAIL CONFIRMATION?

A: Once you have purchased a ticket, a link to the festival site will be sent to the email provided at purchase.  An additional email will be sent Friday and again at 5pm on Saturday. Please check your spam and junk folders for “BingeWave” as the email will be coming from that site.

Q: WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL GOING TO BE LIVE STREAMED?

A: The event will be live streamed on the BingeWave site starting at 6pm this Saturday, January 23, 2021. This is a live screening (meaning we recommend joining at 6pm). You will be able to join late, but may miss some content.

Q: HOW DO I VIEW THE FESTIVAL?

A: Once you click on the link provided in the email from BingeWave, you can watch the event anywhere you would access the internet (laptop, phone, tablet or screencast to your TV). For best viewing, please use your WiFi and do not use the Safari browser or 3G/4G.  

If you have any other questions, please email jdarling(at)frankecenterforthearts(dot)org.

 

2021 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

CONTENT WARNING: Some films included in this festival contain mature content that may be inappropriate for young viewers and may be triggering for others. Viewer discretion is advised.

 

NARCISSICK 
Written & Directed by Hugo Lacasse · Produced by Futur Media Inc.
An “Instababe” puts her physical and mental health on the line to compete against a younger, more popular rival.
SALT RIVER WATER WALK
Directed & Produced by Krista Davis & Jenny Zander
In February 2020, Sharon Day (Ojibwe) led a group of Water Walkers through the Arizona desert to walk for the Salt River. Through animation and live-shot footage, this documentary travels with the Salt River Water Walkers, describing this Indigenous-led ceremony as it creates community and builds relationships with the earth through the shared goal to care for the water.
PEGASUS
Directed by Orlando Leroi · Produced by Marissa Duignan · Written by Malik Bibbie
After a brutal interaction with the police, a young black father’s search for freedom takes him beyond the limits of the atmosphere.
MEDICAL HELP
Directed by Lanessa Miller · Produced by Walkingstick Music LLC · Written by Dwight L. Wilcox II
An animated video illustrating the original swing jazz song Medical Help by Dwight L. Wilcox II with relevance to the era in which we are living.
RISE
Directed by Hannah Byrd · Produced by Emily ‘Mealz’ Smith, Jason Howard, Andrew Accaioli & Fatima Al Saif
A previously homeless man takes a ride through his past in order to understand the present and how it affects his future.
BATHROOM BREAK
Directed by Simone LeClaire · Produced by Xiaolu Wang · Written by Simone LeClaire & Marina Kittaka
Mari gets more than she bargained for when she spends her night out hiding in the bathroom.
AS WE ARE
Written & Directed by Michael R Faulkner · Produced by Robin Miller Ungar
When Evan Bertrand was diagnosed with autism at eighteen months, doctors told his mother, Andrea, to go home and mourn the loss of a “normal child.” Instead, she and her son went on to discover his gift for music together. Twenty years later, Evan and Andrea are putting on the biggest concert of his life, just as they are.
LILY IN THE MAZE
Written & Directed by Alexandra Emmons & Andrew Juhl ·
Produced by Alexandra Emmons, Andrew Juhl & John Morrow

Will, a quiet introvert, deals with a change in his routine on the same day a woman from his past appears. His self-control is put to the test as he struggles to harness his instincts during a confrontation that ends in a surreal mirror maze.
SATIETY
Written & Directed by Anna Rust
A troubled woman records her journey to finding her mother after she was abandoned more than a decade ago.

Why “Wolf Tree?” According to legend, the Wolf Tree was a lone, prominent tree that once stood in the middle of Marshall. The first settler in the area sought refuge in the heights of the tree as wolves and bears roamed the dirt lane and forest that would one day become the city’s downtown. Later, a platform was built in the large oak’s branches where it is said a sentry, seeking the faint glow of wolves’ eyes, would hunt, eager to protect the village from threats hidden in the darkness below. It is a wild history, a bold story, and a great homage to the films that will be featured at this exciting annual event.

 

#BeYoungish, #ChooseMarshall, and support the arts!