International film festival set to take over the screens of Mt. Pleasant
The films include a range of Oscar-nominated movies and otherwise critically-acclaimed independent cinema.
The 16th annual Central Michigan International Film Festival is scheduled to kickoff this Wednesday, Feb. 13 and run through Saturday, Feb. 16.
The festival has expanded to three venues this year with The Platform Theatre at Moore Hall joining Celebration Cinema and the Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium at Park Library.
There will be 23 feature films and five short film programs playing throughout the duration of the film festival.
“We do this to bring another art form to our region, Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding communities. We don’t get a lot of independent and foreign cinema coming to town,” says Patricia Williamson, Festival Director and Associate Professor in the Broadcast and Cinematic Arts department at Central Michigan University.
“We try to bring in a diverse and inclusive slate of films from different countries and filmmakers, to have a place to exhibit their work and bring a cultural event to the region.”
Williamson says that the films include a range of Oscar-nominated movies and otherwise critically-acclaimed independent cinema that have yet to be shown in town, or have even been made available via online streaming services.
There are also a number of locally produced movies, short films, and documentaries scheduled.
This year’s festival is made possible in part through grants from the Tournées Film Festival, which is bringing six French films to CMIFF, and the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office. There are also several sponsors.
“In this day and age, so many people stay in and watch movies on their phones or at home on the TV,” Williamson says.
“This is a chance to go out with family and friends and make a night of it. It’s a more social occasion then you tend to find these days.”
For a full line-up of movies and showtimes, visit the Central Michigan International Film Festival online. Tickets are available for $5 online or at the door.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
Related Articles
How a local group is bringing new energy (and joy) to the arts scene
What happens when a few people pick up puppets? In central Michigan, it’s become a source of creativity, connection, and unexpected courage. Learn how the Central Michigan Area Puppetry Club is growing a supportive, joy-filled community.
Wayside Central marks 50 years of music and memories
For 50 years, Wayside Central has been a place where memories are made and music never stops. Family-owned since 1975, the Hunter family’s dedication—and the loyalty of their staff and community—has kept the nightclub present in Mt. Pleasant for generations.
WCMU Public Media faces funding cuts but finds strength in donors
After federal funding cuts through the 2025 Rescissions Act, WCMU Public Media faces a 19% annual budget loss. Yet, through strong listener and viewer support and their unwavering commitment to local storytelling, the station continues to educate, inform, and inspire audiences across 42 Michigan counties.
