International film festival returns to Central Michigan

The 21st annual Central Michigan International Film Festival, featuring movies from both local and international filmmakers, will take place from Wednesday, April 3 to Sunday, April 7 in Mt. Pleasant.

The event starts with the opening night feature, “Wicked Little Letters,” starring Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, along with Jessie Buckley, at the Celebration Cinema. Other venues that will host movies include Opperman Auditorium in Central Michigan University’s Park Library, the Broadway

Theatre and Mid Michigan College, Mt. Pleasant.

Festival films range from shorts to full-length features, many with Michigan connections, along with international films set in such locales as Hong Kong and Tunisia. Numerous short film screenings will include movies by CMU and K-12 students.

One of the films being shown is “The Stan Project.” The documentary features Stan Zuray, the star of the Discovery Channel show, “Yukon Men.” It follows Zuray who had a troubled youth in Boston in the 1970s and found a better life in the wild, remote interior of Alaska. It is the first feature film created by Commerce native Ryan Walsh.

Patrons can mix and mingle with filmmakers and support the festival at a Filmmaker Party from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Art Reach of Mid Michigan. The $25 tickets include appetizers and drinks, with proceeds supporting the festival.

Film tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. They are available at the door or online at goelevent.com/ CMIFF/e/Search.

For more information, cmfilmfest.com.

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