Outsiders Film Festival

OFF 2020 will showcase a total of 10+ films at the drive-in Emagine Theater in Novi, MI on October 28,2020 from 7-10 PM. Films include shorts, feature length, documentaries, profile pieces, and more to share stories from all over the world that will inspire viewers.

Screenings are limited to 225 cars to comply with state COVID safety policy.

Festival organizers are committed to adhering to current state public health guidelines. The screening will observe prevailing crowd limits, social-distancing and face mask recommendations. People traveling from out of state should be aware of the latest state public health guidelines.

OFF celebrates the culture of the outdoors, the businesses and organizations that support it. Proceeds from the film festival benefit our public lands and water and the organizations that are dedicated to connecting Michiganders to life-changing outdoor experiences including Six Rivers Land Conservancy, is a nonprofit land conservation organization working to sustain the quality and character of the natural resources around us and Heart of the Lakes, the collective voice for Michigan’s land conservancies and their friends.

Ticket purchase is $40 per car. Additional swag will be available for purchase at the event. Can’t attend but want to support conservation? Click on the "Additional Donation for Conservation" ticket option.

-----------------------------------

Featured Films - Stay tuned for more!

Aaron Peterson: 24 Leeches (10 min)

24 Leeches is a camping story told by Aaron Peterson’s son Josiah when he was 8 years old. The film takes place during a 10-day canoeing and camping trip to the Slate Islands of Ontario, Canada on Lake Superior. It was scripted from campfire conversations that they shared during this and other trips.

In August 2019, Aaron lost his sweet boy to a fungal brain infection contracted during treatment for leukemia. He was 10 years old. The project has now become a memorial to Aaron’s best friend and adventure buddy, a very special kid that experienced more in his decade than many do in a full life. Peterson's ache to know what he would have become.

Heart of the Lakes: Passion and Purpose (11 min)

Michigan's outdoor industry is an economic powerhouse reaching $26.6 billion in consumer spending and 232k direct jobs. This may come with little surprise knowing Michigan has a wealth of forests, trails, rivers, and lakes — rivaling top outdoor states such as Colorado, Montana, and California.

What sets Michigan apart? The 4,500 miles of coastline known as the Great Lakes.

Michigan residents and businesses thrive on the revenue brought in from the Great Lakes, but these extra footprints in the sand raise concerns for our coastlines. Some businesses in the outdoor industry have adopted the outdoor lifestyle branding and the importance of advocating the conservation of our coasts.

Heart of the Lakes: Challenge Us (14 min)

Name your favorite outdoor female role model. Don’t worry, we’ll wait.

Before, women in the outdoors sounded like a gimmick – but they are far from that - they are a force to be reckoned with. From around Michigan, a group of women shares how they set out on a path and found adventure. Their reasons and activities may vary but they all have these things in common; they are strong, they are in this together, and they will not back down.

Heart of the Lakes: Church of the Open Sky (4 min)

Matt Campbell is a master craftsman who fabricates custom surf craft — paddleboards and surfboards— in his workshop near Oxford, Michigan. Located just outside of Detroit, BlkBox Surf means everything to Matt, as it is the culmination of his love for the water and surfing.

Matt proudly talks about his kids' time spent growing up on the Great Lakes. For Matt and his family, Michigan always has something new to discover. He believes that there is a spiritual aspect to surfing and paddling that is a gift given by Mother Nature. This gift allows us to live in the moment; and spending time on the water provides a form of meditation. Matt enjoys hearing stories of being on the water and hopes that more people get to know and love the amazing resources that are the Great Lakes.

Protect Our Winters: Common Ground (2 min)

“If you love the land, make a plan.” Get out there and vote.

REI: Pedal Through (14 min)

Pedal Through invites us into the world of director-lead Analise Cleopatra as she discovers the healing and joy of mountain biking. Analise had never camped or ridden a bike off the pavement when she decided to plan a week-long mountain biking adventure with an all Black female team: her best friend and fellow newcomer to the sport, DeJuanae Toliver, and professional mountain biker Brooklyn Bell. Together, they traverse the Oregon backcountry on an adventure full of exploration, curiosity, waterfalls, old growth forest, sparkling starscapes, and deep healing. With raw authenticity, Analise shares all the intimate foibles, fear, fun, and beauty of discovering her place in the outdoors. The landscape opens to greet her as she learns to lean into uncertainty, accept support and trust herself on this wild ride.

REI: Venture Out (15 min)

The Venture Out Project is an organization dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for the marginalized queer community to enjoy the beauty and fun of the wilderness together. Through their backpacking and wilderness trips, participants forge lifelong bonds and make unforgettable memories.

REI: A Walk in the Park (9.5 min)

They may call it a Picnic, but this is no walk in the park. Bike 23 miles, swim 1.3 miles, hike 3 miles and climb 6,000 feet straight up. Then eat a donut. Turn around. Do it in reverse.

Zeppelin Zeerip: Joint Effort (3 min)

Everyday Zoe Zeerip pushes back against a condition that conspires to hold her down. This is her story. This is her fight.