Waterfront Film Festival wins $15,000 arts grant

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has awarded $15,000 to the Waterfront Film Festival (WFF), a nonprofit organization that relies solely on grants and donations to continue its programming.

"We very much appreciate the ongoing support of MCACA, both for its monetary contribution to the festival and for its constant validation of our efforts to bring independent film to Michigan, its residents, and the region," says WFF co-founder Dori DePree. "Without this type of support, the programming of a large-scale, quality festival would be nearly impossible to achieve."

WFF celebrates independent film and filmmakers in a non-competitive environment. Located along the Michigan lakeshore, it is one of the leading destination film festivals in the Midwest, regularly hosting Midwest premieres of Academy Award-winning and -nominated documentaries. Recognized as a top-five film festival, WFF is a nonprofit event committed to creating a "middle coast" venue for independent filmmakers while further enhancing the cultural draw of West Michigan.

Independent filmmakers and thousands of people who appreciate fine filmmaking convene annually to enjoy Waterfront Film Festival, which brings more than 70 independent films, filmmaker panels, and lively mixers to the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline for four days each June.

MCACA awards grants to organizations each year as a way to "encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, and cultural activity in Michigan" because "a vibrant arts and cultural scene is important to strong communities and Michigan's excellent quality-of-life, and ultimately, to Michigan's economy."

The 15th Annual Waterfront Film Festival will be held June 13-16 in South Haven, Michigan.


Get involved:
- Attend the 15th Annual Waterfront Film Festival June 13-16 in South Haven, Michigan.
- Like WFF's Facebook page.
- Follow them on Twitter.
- Become a sponsor.
- For volunteer opportunities, email or call the office (269) 767-8765.
- Purchase advertising space in the WFF program.

Source: Patrick Revere, Media Coordinator for Waterfront Film Festival
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of Waterfront Film Festival