About the Festival
The ELCFF is a celebration of film; a cultural activity for Michigan’s community now entering its 10th year. The films we exhibit display various filmmaking techniques such as: stop-motion, claymation, scratch and finger paint animation, as well as computer-generated imaging. Genres include live action, documentary, shorts and feature length films. In addition to our year-round workshops and programs, our annual, week-long festival features:
- 100+ short and feature films from 19 different countries
- Winners of ELCFF’s Youth Film Competition - a statewide competition engaging Michigan’s youth to conceptualize, create and exhibit their talents through film.
- Acting, animation and filmmaking workshops offering interactive educational opportunities
- NEW! TeenReel - feature films and short programs designed strictly for our older film buffs, ages 13 and up. These art-house quality films have more intense scenes and content and parental discretion is strongly advised due to mature themes.
- The Junior Film Critics Club - a year-round student (1-7 grades) film analysis program designed to build critical thinking skills through the medium of film, skills that will become a life-long asset.
Attendees include the Michigan community as well as those traveling from other states to attend the Festival. In addition, international and domestic filmmakers, producers, directors and actors attend the ELCFF. The 2006 festival featured 100 films from 19 countries including the opening night feature “Lost in the Woods”, directed by Laura and Rob Sams other favorites included, Spirit Bear: The Simon Jackson Story Director Stefan Scaini, Pelican Man, Director Liisa Helminen, and the Mantis Parable, Director Josh Staub.
