Capital City Film Festival opens 16th year in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Capital City Film Festival opened its 16th year Wednesday night in Lansing, bringing filmmakers, audiences, and artists together for more than a week of screenings and events.

The festival runs through April 18 and features more than 120 films, live music, and interactive media from around the world. Organizers say the annual event continues to create space for independent filmmakers and local artists.

“We know that art organizations and art industries really thrive on indie scenes, and so that’s what we’re here to do,” Festival Event Director Emma Selby said. “A lot of times you don’t get opportunities to see films that are indie, that may not have a distributor.”

Opening night featured First Feature, directed by Curtis Matzke, who first screened at the festival as a student at Michigan State University more than a decade ago.

“It’s really amazing to see how much it’s grown over these years, and just like, to come back is just a huge honor,” he told News 10.

Selby said some filmmakers who begin their run in Lansing later go on to larger festivals, including Tribeca and Sundance, which are some of the country’s most well-known, largest, and most influential festivals. Some people even secure distribution deals by showing here in Lansing.

For Matzke, he said connections are everything in this industry, especially now, “when the arts are kind of very difficult to get off the ground,” due to political difficulties and cultural environments.

The festival will hold the Sweet 16 Red Carpet Premiere Party on Thursday night. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. For tickets and a full line-up of all screenings and events for the next 10-days, you can visit the Capital City Film Festival’s website.

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