Saugatuck, Michigan, June 4, 2009 – The Waterfront Film Festival will screen more than 70 films in five venues over the course of the four day festival. As one of the destination festivals in the Midwest this year’s line -up will prove to be one of the Festivals best.
Waterfront Film Festival has secured some exceptional films and looks forward to introducing new
talented directors and actors to those who attend. “ With the festival only one week away we are getting
very excited about this year’s program”, said Co-Founder Kori Eldean Rentz. “Movie goers will be able
to see a wide range of independent and documentary films and each year we are amazed at the talent and
diversity of entries submitted for the festival. That is what has allowed Waterfront Film Festival to rival
some of the best festivals in the county”.
Some of the highlights slated for this year are:
• TRUE NORTH (U.S. Premiere) An unflinching thriller dealing with the horrendous consequences
of human trafficking. A skipper¹s son accepts a large sum of money to smuggle Chinese illegal
immigrants to Scotland in an attempt to help his father keep his boat. When one of the immigrants
dies, despair triggers tragic actions. Film shows: Friday, June 12 at 4:30 PM and Sunday, June 14 at
9:00 AM
• THE BACK NINE (Midwest Premiere) – Upon turning 40, Jon Fitzgerald challenges himself to
chase his never-pursued dream of playing professional golf. His passion for the sport, combined
with a relentless drive and total commitment to his goals fuel his transformational journey. This
inspirational film proves that just because you’re “over the hill” doesn’t mean it¹s too late to become
what you always wanted to be. Film shows: Saturday, June 13 at 9:00 AM and Sunday, June 14 at
4:30 PM
• PRIDE OF LIONS (Michigan Premiere) A deeply moving documentary about Sierra Leone, and
the eleven year civil war that has left the country devastated. Witnessing the Sierra Leoneans ability
to overcome inconceivable human atrocities and reclaim their legacy is inspirational, and for some,
life changing. Film shows: Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 11:30 AM
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Waterfront Film Festival / page 2 of 2
• PULLING JOHN (Midwest Premiere) Legendary arm-wrestling champion John Brzenk is feeling
the aches and pains of old age and must decide whether to leave the sport or defend his name by
competing against the rising young stars of arm-wrestling. OFFICIAL SELECTION, SXSW FILM
FESTIVAL. Film shows: Friday, June 12, 7:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 PM
• TRUE ADOLESCENTS (Midwest Premiere) – A poised and poignant film that follows Sam, a
washed up rocker who hasn¹t quite realized it yet. Jobless and homeless, he crashes with his aunt as
a last resort. Reluctantly, he agrees to chaperone her teenage son and his nerdy pal on a camping trip.
In the stirring Pacific Northwest wilderness a surprising discovery turns dire — and the distance from
boy to man must be covered overnight. Film shows: Friday, June 12, 9:00 AM and Sunday, June 14
at 2:00 PM
• OFFICIAL REJECTION (Michigan Premiere) Ever wonder what it takes to get into a film festival?
This funny and eye opening documentary follows the trials and tribulations of a group of independent
filmmakers as they learn that sometimes the hardest part of making a film is getting it shown.
Film shows: Friday, June 12, 9:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 9:00 AM
For more information on additional films, seminars, and the opening night celebration, visit
www.waterfrontfilm.org.
About Waterfront Film Festival
Now in its eleventh year, the Waterfront Film Festival celebrates independent film and filmmakers in a
noncompetitive environment. Located in Saugatuck, Mich., WFF is one of the leading destination film
festivals in the Midwest, regularly hosting Midwest premieres of Academy Award-winning and
-nominated documentaries. WFF is committed to education and features seminars designed to encourage
the next generation of actors, writers and directors. In 2007, SAGIndie recognized WFF as one of its top
five film festivals. For more information on the 2009 festival, which is scheduled June 11- 14,
visit www.waterfrontfilm.org.
Saugatuck, Michigan, June 4, 2009 – The Waterfront Film Festival will screen more than 70 films in five venues over the course of the four day festival. As one of the destination festivals in the Midwest this year’s line -up will prove to be one of the Festivals best. Waterfront Film Festival has secured some exceptional films and looks forward to introducing new talented directors and actors to those who attend. “ With the festival only one week away we are getting very excited about this year’s program”, said Co-Founder Kori Eldean Rentz. “Movie goers will be able to see a wide range of independent and documentary films and each year we are amazed at the talent and diversity of entries submitted for the festival. That is what has allowed Waterfront Film Festival to rival some of the best festivals in the county”.
Some of the highlights slated for this year are:
• TRUE NORTH (U.S. Premiere) An unflinching thriller dealing with the horrendous consequences of human trafficking. A skipper¹s son accepts a large sum of money to smuggle Chinese illegal immigrants to Scotland in an attempt to help his father keep his boat. When one of the immigrants dies, despair triggers tragic actions. Film shows: Friday, June 12 at 4:30 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 9:00 AM
• THE BACK NINE (Midwest Premiere) – Upon turning 40, Jon Fitzgerald challenges himself to chase his never-pursued dream of playing professional golf. His passion for the sport, combined with a relentless drive and total commitment to his goals fuel his transformational journey. This inspirational film proves that just because you’re “over the hill” doesn’t mean it¹s too late to become what you always wanted to be. Film shows: Saturday, June 13 at 9:00 AM and Sunday, June 14 at 4:30 PM
• PRIDE OF LIONS (Michigan Premiere) A deeply moving documentary about Sierra Leone, and the eleven year civil war that has left the country devastated. Witnessing the Sierra Leoneans ability to overcome inconceivable human atrocities and reclaim their legacy is inspirational, and for some, life changing. Film shows: Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 11:30 AM
• PULLING JOHN (Midwest Premiere) Legendary arm-wrestling champion John Brzenk is feeling the aches and pains of old age and must decide whether to leave the sport or defend his name by competing against the rising young stars of arm-wrestling. OFFICIAL SELECTION, SXSW FILM FESTIVAL. Film shows: Friday, June 12, 7:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 PM
• TRUE ADOLESCENTS (Midwest Premiere) – A poised and poignant film that follows Sam, a washed up rocker who hasn¹t quite realized it yet. Jobless and homeless, he crashes with his aunt as a last resort. Reluctantly, he agrees to chaperone her teenage son and his nerdy pal on a camping trip. In the stirring Pacific Northwest wilderness a surprising discovery turns dire — and the distance from boy to man must be covered overnight. Film shows: Friday, June 12, 9:00 AM and Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 PM
• OFFICIAL REJECTION (Michigan Premiere) Ever wonder what it takes to get into a film festival? This funny and eye opening documentary follows the trials and tribulations of a group of independent filmmakers as they learn that sometimes the hardest part of making a film is getting it shown. Film shows: Friday, June 12, 9:00 PM and Sunday, June 14 at 9:00 AM
For more information on additional films, seminars, and the opening night celebration, visit www.waterfrontfilm.org.
About Waterfront Film Festival
Now in its eleventh year, the Waterfront Film Festival celebrates independent film and filmmakers in a noncompetitive environment. Located in Saugatuck, Mich., WFF is one of the leading destination film festivals in the Midwest, regularly hosting Midwest premieres of Academy Award-winning and -nominated documentaries. WFF is committed to education and features seminars designed to encourage the next generation of actors, writers and directors. In 2007, SAGIndie recognized WFF as one of its top five film festivals. For more information on the 2009 festival, which is scheduled June 11- 14, visit www.waterfrontfilm.org.