Last Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Film Society hosted a presentation of music videos created by local filmmakers and musicians. The event was the second of four Open Projector Nights planned this year at Wealthy Street Theatre.
Open Projector Nights were created in 2012 to craft community and connections for filmmakers around Michigan. Participants submitted their work into the showcase, highlighting musicians such as the Phabies, a West Michigan group. Music videos featuring the bands Fen Fen, the Crane Wives and Low Phase placed first, second and third by audience choice.
Nicholas Hartman, the film curator for the GR Film Society, graduated with a film studies degree from Grand Valley State University. He encourages film and video students to get involved with creative, networking experiences.
“Getting involved in opportunities like this not only helps students network, but they also help build relationships and memories,” Hartman said. “When you start meeting others at these types of events, you start building friendships, and friendships lead to creating together, and that can take you very far.”
Hartman added that, in order to get involved, all students have to do is show up to events and stay tuned to the Film Society’s site. The GR Film Society accepts submissions from any Michigan-based filmmaker, and Hartman said it’s the perfect place for film and video students, enthusiasts and local filmmakers to network and connect.
“I love how connected and supportive everyone is (at the GR Film Society),” Hartman said. “I personally want to lift others up and celebrate their achievements. I see a lot of that in our community, and it’s really inspiring.”
Jeremy Knickerbocker, a GVSU film and video alum, presented a music video at the event. Knickerbocker values the community he’s found in Grand Rapids’ film scene.
“GR Film Society hosts some amazing film screenings and events that are basically foundational to the blossoming film (and) video community here in Grand Rapids,” Knickerbocker said. “What I enjoy most about (the) GR Film Society is having a community of filmmakers and cinephiles who are passionate and talented in their work.”
Knickerbocker said his involvement in the Film Society came after his time at GVSU, but if he were able to have gotten involved as a student, he would have.
“(GR Film Society) does us all a huge service by the work they do, providing inspiring opportunities and resources for filmmakers and film audiences in West Michigan,” Knickerbocker said. “I would recommend students get involved for chances to meet others in the local film community.”
Jackson Ezinga, another GVSU film and video alum, is involved in the planning and programming committee of the Film Society. Ezinga said that in addition to Open Project Nights and film screenings, they host an event called Filmmaker Roundtable, where anyone interested in filmmaking or just movies in general can discuss their shared interest in movies and network with others.
“I have loved movies for as long as I can remember,” Ezinga said. “So providing opportunities for people to watch movies and talk about movies has been a true joy.”
Ezinga shared that through his involved with the Film Society, he’s been able to connect with filmmaker Sean Baker, who has won four Academy Awards for his most recent film, Anora. Baker filmed a personal video introduction for the Film Society to welcome the audience at Wealthy Street Theatre and talk about his filmmaking experience.
“Seeing our audiences connect through the art of cinema is a central part of the experience,” Ezinga added. “I’m so grateful that I can be part of helping create those connections.”
The next Open Projector Night will take place Oct. 22, billed as a Halloween edition. Submissions, which must connect to the state of Michigan, will be accepted until Sept. 19.
