Schedule

Sept. 26, 2019 Thursday

6:00 PM

Pere Marquette Depot
2h

Opening Night Party!

2hEnglish Opening Night Events!
Celebrate the 14th Annual Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival with a community of music lovers, film lovers, and filmmakers. Hang out in the beautiful Pere Marquette Depot and enjoy tasty snacks, fun drinks, a little music, and whole lot of lively conversation. Tickets are available for the party only, the party and the opening night film, or purchase an All Access Pass to get in to every reception, music event, and film.

8:15 PM

State Theatre
1h 31m

Safe Spaces

Daniel Schechter1h 31mEnglish Opening Night Events!
Josh, played by Justin Long, is an adjunct creative writing instructor who spends a week reconnecting with his family while defending his reputation over controversial behavior at his college and the backlash to a class discussion that he saw as innocent but others felt crossed the line. Beyond college controversies about speech and standards, he must navigate the human dramas of his separated parents, played by Fran Drescher and Richard Schiff, and his ailing grandmother.
Safe Spaces

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Soundtrack

10:00 PM

Old City Hall
1h

Coastal Club

1hEnglish Opening Night Events!
Take an unabashed ‘80s pop aesthetic, mix it with that indefinably unique Midwestern wistfulness, add a dash of surf rock and you get Coastal Club. Sweeping with an understated grandeur, this Ohio quartet crafts winsome tunes of immediate charm, luring you into their dayglo realm and calling you to abandon all cares. $5 at the door

Sept. 27, 2019 Friday

11:00 AM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 42m

Friday Morning Shorts

In this Program
In Full Bloom
Maegan Houang11mEnglish Narrative Short
LOVE POOL
Asim Chaudhry17mGBEnglish Narrative Short
Game Over
Adam Jenkins8mGBEnglish Narrative Short
A Song Can't Burn
Roscoe Neil12mGBEnglish Documentary Short
Watch Room
Noah Wagner17mEnglish Narrative Short
Down
Garry Crystal12mGBEnglish Narrative Short
The Role
12mPersian Narrative Short
All These Creatures
Charles Williams13mAustraliaEnglish Narrative Short

11:00 AM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 25m

Spiral Farm

1h 25mEnglish Narrative Feature

1:30 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 10m

Hurry Slowly (Skynd Deg Sakte)

Anders Emblem1h 10mNorwegian (English Subtitles)Narrative Feature
A warm slice-of-life film about Fiona and her younger brother Tom, whom she takes care of. We follow Fiona over a few life-changing summer months on the north-western coast of Norway, where she juggles the care of her brother, her job at the local ferry and her interest in music.
Hurry Slowly

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Cinematography, Best Lead Actress - Amalie Ibsen Jensen (Fiona)

1:30 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 28m

Sword of Trust

Lynn Shelton1h 28mEnglish Narrative Feature
Cynthia and Mary show up to collect Cynthia's inheritance from her deceased grandfather, but the only item she receives is an antique sword that was believed by her grandfather to be proof that the South won the Civil War. When they take the sword to a grumpy pawn shop owner, they learn that there might be more to the sword than they thought and the group begins a tour through the American South in this timely comedy.

4:00 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 39m

SeriesFest (Free!)

Bay County Historical Museum SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators. Each June, SeriesFest culminates in a highly-curated and celebrated Denver-based festival and marketplace. Dedicated to showcasing innovative episodic content, the annual festival (June 18-24, 2020) also includes a musical performance and network screening at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre, in-competition independent pilot screenings, panels, workshops, live reads, parties and network television premieres.

In this Program
Human Interest (SeriesFest - free!)
Matthew-Lee Erlbach18mEnglish Narrative Short
Palomino & Swissy (SeriesFest - free!)
Julien Lasseur47mEnglish Narrative Short
Kwaczala (SeriesFest - free!)
Daniel J. Clark14mEnglish Narrative Short
Brooklyn Moving Company (SeriesFest - free!)
Krysia Plonka20mEnglish Narrative Short

4:00 PM

Delta College Planetarium
2h

Gutterbug

Andrew Gibson1h 40mEnglish Narrative Feature
A crust punk named Bug grapples with the realities of homelessness, mental health, drug use and toxic friendships. On his 21st birthday he resolves to find his way home to the family he left behind, a task that leads him and his misfit crew down a dangerous path.
Gutterbug

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, Best Lead Actor - Andrew Yackel (Bug)

4:30 PM

Delta College Planetarium
2h

The Distribution Down Low

In this Program
The Distribution Down Low
2hEnglish Workshop/Panel

6:30 PM

State Theatre
1h 15m

Lost Holiday

1h 15mEnglish Narrative Feature

6:30 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 38m

Friday Evening Shorts

HHM Jury Nominations - Best Shorts 2019: The Wind Phone

In this Program
The Drink
Cosima Spender12mGBEnglish Narrative Short
Cells
Raymond Wood12mEnglish Narrative Short
Sven
Christopher Rucinski11mEnglish Narrative Short
The Great Record Hunt
Ethan Minsker, Shayne Kamat25mEnglish Documentary Short
Dough
Kurt Schneider9mEnglish Narrative Short
THE WIND PHONE
Kristen Gerweck16mJapanese (English Subtitles)Narrative Short
Too Late
Clayton Dean Smith4mEnglish Narrative Short
Fuck you, Steve
9mEnglish Narrative Short

6:30 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 35m

Greener Grass

Jocelyn DeBoer, Dawn Luebbe1h 35mEnglish Narrative Feature
A deliciously twisted comedy set in a demented, timeless suburbia where every adult wears braces on their straight teeth, couples coordinate meticulously pressed outfits, and coveted family members are swapped in more ways than one in this competition for acceptance. Suburban soccer moms find themselves constantly competing against each other in their personal lives as their kids settle their differences on the field.
Greener Grass

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Screenplay, Best Lead Actress - Jocelyn DeBoer (Jill)

7:00 PM

Drydock Beer Garden
2h

Filmmaker Reception

**PASSHOLDERS ONLY** Time to give all our visiting filmmakers another warm Bay City welcome! Of course, that means drinks, snacks, music, and fun! All Access, Guest, and Sponsor pass holders are welcome to attend. Featuring the music of MOONBEAU!

In this Program
Filmmaker Reception
3hEnglish Reception/Party

9:00 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 30m

Barbie's Kenny

Zachary Ray Sherman1h 30mEnglish Narrative Feature
A struggling actor's life is turned upside down when his estranged mother appears on his doorstep with a terminal illness. Kenny’s mother, Barb, returns to his life in desperate circumstances and attempts to rekindle a relationship with a son she no longer understands. Their complicated relationship and the promise of buried treasure complicate every aspect of his life, which may not be a bad thing.

9:00 PM

State Theatre
1h 35m

Good Feels On wheels

Ronald Short1h 35mEnglish Narrative Feature
Good Feels on Wheels follows a twentysomething, Opal, during her weekend trip to Austin, Texas. After her long-distance romantic interest stands her up, she roams the streets of the hip city, aching for a connection. She hadn’t planned on traveling alone, but that’s how she finds herself when she meets Wyatt. And though they stumbled upon each other under somewhat undesirable circumstances, the pair set out for a day in the city that Opal will never forget (no matter how hard she may try).

9:00 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 15m

Guest House

Hannah Dweck, Yael Luttwak1h 15mEnglish Documentary Feature
Follow the stories of three women in a re-entry house as they attempt to acclimate to life after being released from incarceration and battling addiction. Get to know their real hopes, dreams, desires, and disappointments, and gain insight into their choices. The house is full of diverse personalities driven by survival instincts, and characters who use their humor and intelligence to deal with a broken justice system - a system that contributes to the recidivism of its criminals.
Guest House

~ ~ World Premiere ~ ~

9:30 PM

The Warehouse
3h

Friday Night Music

Moonbeau is a captivating synth-pop duo hailing from Cincinnati and rural Kentucky and redefines nostalgia with their unique blend of heartfelt melodies and irresistible beats. The brainchild of Christian Gough (Guitar/Vocals), Moonbeau has embarked on a new journey with the addition of Callie Budrick (Keys/Vocals). Together, they craft an immersive musical experience that sparks a new wave of excitement within the synth-pop genre. This was one of the festival favorites back in 2018 when they first played HHM, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have them return!

In this Program
Moonbeau
45mEnglish Music

11:00 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 18m

Lake Michigan Monster

Ryland Tews1h 18mEnglish Narrative Feature
The eccentric Captain Seafield hires a crew of specialists to help him plot revenge against the creature that killed his father. After several failed attempts, Seafield is forced to take matters into his own drunken hands. What began as a simple case of man verses beast, soon turns into a rabbit hole of mysterious unknowns and Lovecraftian hijinks. Lake Michigan Monster -- banned in four lakes!

Sept. 28, 2019 Saturday

9:00 AM

State Theatre
1h 45m

HHM Film Slam Screening (Free!)

1h 45mEnglish Narrative Short
The HHM Film Slam pits filmmaking teams against the clock creating a fun, challenging and highly creative collaborative challenge by making a 3-7 minute short film in just 2 days, September 20-21!

11:00 AM

State Theatre
2h 8m

Michigan Matinee Shorts

Abandoned: Chris Randall (writer, director, producer) Apollyon: Bret Miller (writer, director), Emily Nichols (producer), Adam Rock (DP), Steve VanMaele (gaffer), Jimmy Doom (actor) Inhuman: Hayley Tibbenham (writer, director, actor) In Good Health: Jerrod Rachow (director, cinematographer), Logan Histed (sound op, script manager), Rachel M Beck (actor), Bryan Landon (actor) License & Registration: Chris Randall (co-producer) Magic Moe's: Joel Lopez (director), Brian Lewless (producer), Khalen Berry (actor) Nephrectomy: Kevin Lazzaro (actor, editor), Trevor Bluew (director), Kelly Winters (cinematographer, make-up artist), Stephanie Miller (screenwriter, prop-designer) The Orchestra: Curtis Matzke (writer, director, producer) Justin Reifert (producer) Stood Up: Jeff Vande Zande (writer, director, producer) Timmy and the Dream Killers: Jeremy Berkowitz (co-director, producer, writer), Esteban Melean (co-director, producer)

In this Program
In Good Health (Delta College Film Program)
Jerrod Rachow7mEnglish Narrative Short
Nephrectomy (Delta College Film Program)
Trevor Bluew11mEnglish Narrative Short
Magic Moe's (Delta College Film Program)
Joel Lopez5mEnglish Narrative Short
HHM Film Slam Selection
7mEnglish Narrative Short
Abandoned
Chris Randall23mEnglish Narrative Short
Stood Up
Jeff Vande Zande1mEnglish Narrative Short
Timmy and the Dream Killers
Jeremy Berkowitz, Esteban Melean5mEnglish Animation Short
The Orchestra
Curtis Matzke6mEnglish Narrative Short
Inhuman
Hayley Tibbenham14mEnglish Narrative Short
Apollyon
Bret Miller8mEnglish Narrative Short
Finding Happiness Six-Pack
Kim Stricker, Michael Pfaendtner6mEnglish Narrative Short
License & Registration
Jackson Ezinga10mEnglish Narrative Short

11:00 AM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 26m

I Want My MTV

Tyler Measom, Patrick Waldrop1h 26mEnglish Documentary Feature
A touchstone in the lives of millions of young people, as well as a home for musicians and filmmakers to display their frequently offbeat sense of artistic vision, upstart music network MTV burst onto televisions on August 1, 1981. Via a combination of the scrappy handful of young adults serving as hosts, the fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants production style, and the music mini-movies that were the foundation of the original channel, MTV was like nothing Americans had ever seen before.

12:30 PM

Delta College Planetarium
30m

Full Dome Films

30mEnglish Narrative Short

1:30 PM

State Theatre
1h 37m

Saturday Shorts

Special Guests: Companion: Andrew Greco (Director), James Cates (Assistant Director), Susan Bohl (Producer), Nor Seyedmorteza (Sound Recordist, Engineer, Audio mix/master, Folly, Composer), Anne Cates (UPM)

In this Program
sometimes, i think about dying
Stefanie Abel Horowitz12mEnglish Narrative Short
Companion
Andrew Greco23mEnglish Narrative Short
Lady Hater
Alexandra Barreto8mEnglish Narrative Short
Zero One
Kirsten Russell15mEnglish, French (English Subtitles)Narrative Short
The Phantom 52
Geoff Marslett8mEnglish Animation Short
Emily
Dave Heinzel15mEnglish Narrative Short
The Wound
Chris Levitus8mEnglish Narrative Short
Quest for Fire
Patrik Bergh8mGBEnglish Narrative Short

1:30 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 21m

Float

Phil Kibbe1h 21mEnglish, Japanese, Romanian (English Subtitles)Documentary Feature
Float

HHM Jury Nomination: Best Cinematography

2:00 PM

Davidson Building
2h

Meet the Michigan Festivals - Panel

2hEnglish Workshop/Panel

4:00 PM

State Theatre
1h 22m

Sexual Animals

Patrick Mack1h 22mEnglish Narrative Feature
Adam Wolnik graduates college next semester and he is anxious, especially when it comes to his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Lauren. What's next? Marriage? Cohabitation? Separation? When Adam tells Lauren about his fears she suggests they take a break...a sex-break in order to experience other sexual encounters before they tie the knot. What could go wrong? Adam will spend his last semester fumbling through clumsy attempts at casual sex and dealing with the fallout. He discovers that his sexual adventures are mirrored by his animal behavior class, thus proving that humans, especially young drunk humans, aren't immune to shows of aggression, courtship, and stupidity.
Sexual Animals

~ ~ World Premiere ~ ~

4:00 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 44m

I AM THAT

Joy Marzec1h 44mEnglish Narrative Feature
When Skylar, a cloistered nun, gets word of her sister’s death, her life’s future suddenly comes into question. Granted eight days outside the convent by the Mother Abbess, Skylar ventures out on a pilgrimage to the religious town of Chimayo, New Mexico, where her sister is buried. On her journey Skylar is joined by two other outsiders, a runaway teenager and a train-hopping drifter, whose presence and friendship challenge her life’s dedication to God. I AM THAT is a sparkling modern pop style film whose novelty and original soundtrack breathe new life into the timeless story about the pursuit to find connection and certainty in one’s life.

5:30 PM

Davidson Building
2h

Festival Happy Hour & Crowdfunding Rally

In this Program
Festival Happy Hour
2hEnglish Reception/Party
HHM Crowdfunding Rally
30mEnglish Reception/Party

6:30 PM

State Theatre
1h 16m

Postal

Tyler Falbo1h 16mEnglish Narrative Feature
A dark comedy based on true events, Postal reimagines the emotional meltdown of Philip Tress, a Jacksonville millennial described by local media as “unable to break from a psychotic, unrequited love affair." Phil's downfall gained notoriety as his breakdown was documented by multiple recordings of calls Phillip made to a customer service agent at an international shipping company. Bronco brings us into the heart and mind of Phillip Tress on the morning his downward spiral began.
Postal

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Lead Actor - Michael Shenefelt (Phillp Tress)

6:30 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 37m

Happy Face

Alexandre Franchi1h 37mCanadaEnglish Narrative Feature
Estranged from his manipulative cancer-stricken mother, a handsome teenage boy deforms his face with bandages and joins a therapy workshop for disfigured patients in a misguided attempt to reconnect with her. His deception leads the group in a radical new direction that will require them to find courage that they didn’t know that they had to show their true face to the world.
Happy Face

HHM Jury Nomination: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, Best Lead Actor - Robin L' Houmeau (Stan), Best Lead Actress - Debbie Lynch-White (Vanessa)

6:30 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 29m

Vanilla

Will Dennis1h 29mEnglish Narrative Feature
A freewheeling comedian determined to save her family business persuades an uptight entrepreneur to go on a road trip to sell a van with a complicated history. Romance ignites on their three day trip south to New Orleans, but is tested as they discover each other's secrets. When the van sale deteriorates, they must decide if their connection is worth more than an old van.

8:00 PM

The Warehouse
3h 59m

Saturday Night Music

The weekend's peak of music events for the 17th annual Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival happens here. The Saturday, September 23rd event is taking place at the Dunlop Building (located at 517 Washington Ave., Bay City, MI), and per usual is bringing 3 amazing bands! This year's lineup features Weakened Friends (Portland, ME), LVRS (Lansing, MI) & Kelly Jean Caldwell Band (Detroit, MI) The show is open to all ages for Pass holders, or admission is $15 at the door. As a festival we're thrilled to return to the Dunlop Building and transform it into a HHM-style venue for one evening, and bring 3 awesome bands together at this unique location. Last year the atmosphere in the Dunlop Building added to the experience making for an unforgettable live show. Get ready to do it all over again! 🎵🎙🎸👩‍🎤🎹🎶 Dunlop Building 517 Washington Ave., Bay City, MI

In this Program
Weakened Friends
45mEnglish Music
LVRS
45mEnglish Music
Kelly Jean Caldwell Band
45mEnglish Music

9:00 PM

State Theatre
1h 30m

My Soul to Keep

Ajmal Zaheer Ahmad1h 30mEnglish Narrative Feature
Like many 9-year-old boys, Eli Braverman believes something menacing lives in his basement. When his older sister leaves him home alone one night, Eli discovers if this evil is real or all in his head. What Eli confronts may end up being far more terrifying than even his worst nightmare.

9:00 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 23m

Jack & Yaya

Mary Hewey, Jen Bagley1h 23mEnglish Documentary Feature
Best friends Jack and Yaya celebrate their 30th year of friendship in their hometown in South Jersey alongside a motley crew of extended family and neighbors. While they party and reminisce, Jack and Yaya support each other as they both fight for acceptance as openly trans people.

Sept. 29, 2019 Sunday

10:00 AM

Populace Coffee
1h 45m

Sunday Morning Cinema - Filmmaker Panel

In this Program
Sunday Morning Cinema - Filmmaker Panel
1h 45mEnglish Workshop/Panel

12:00 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 16m

Postal

Tyler Falbo1h 16mEnglish Narrative Feature
A dark comedy based on true events, Postal reimagines the emotional meltdown of Philip Tress, a Jacksonville millennial described by local media as “unable to break from a psychotic, unrequited love affair." Phil's downfall gained notoriety as his breakdown was documented by multiple recordings of calls Phillip made to a customer service agent at an international shipping company. Bronco brings us into the heart and mind of Phillip Tress on the morning his downward spiral began.
Postal

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Lead Actor - Michael Shenefelt (Phillp Tress)

12:00 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 37m

Happy Face

Alexandre Franchi1h 37mCanadaEnglish Narrative Feature
Estranged from his manipulative cancer-stricken mother, a handsome teenage boy deforms his face with bandages and joins a therapy workshop for disfigured patients in a misguided attempt to reconnect with her. His deception leads the group in a radical new direction that will require them to find courage that they didn’t know that they had to show their true face to the world.
Happy Face

HHM Jury Nomination: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, Best Lead Actor - Robin L' Houmeau (Stan), Best Lead Actress - Debbie Lynch-White (Vanessa)

2:30 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 35m

Greener Grass

Jocelyn DeBoer, Dawn Luebbe1h 35mEnglish Narrative Feature
A deliciously twisted comedy set in a demented, timeless suburbia where every adult wears braces on their straight teeth, couples coordinate meticulously pressed outfits, and coveted family members are swapped in more ways than one in this competition for acceptance. Suburban soccer moms find themselves constantly competing against each other in their personal lives as their kids settle their differences on the field.
Greener Grass

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Screenplay, Best Lead Actress - Jocelyn DeBoer (Jill)

2:30 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
1h 27m

Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project

Matt Wolf1h 27mEnglish Documentary Feature
Marion Stokes secretly recorded television 24 hours a day for 30 years from 1975 until her death in 2012. For Marion taping was a form of activism to seek the truth, and she believed that a comprehensive archive of the media would be invaluable for future generations. Her visionary and maddening project nearly tore her family apart, but now her 70,000 VHS tapes are being digitized and they’ll be searchable online.

2:30 PM

State Theatre
1h 41m

Sunday Shorts

In this Program
Don't You Go Nowhere
8mEnglish Narrative Short
The Hereafter
22mEnglish Narrative Short
The Other Side of Fortune
17mEnglish Narrative Short
Chipper
23mEnglish Narrative Short
Traces
15mEnglish Narrative Short
Seatbelts
4mEnglish Narrative Short
Poof
10mEnglish Narrative Short

5:00 PM

State Theatre
2h

After So Many Days

Jim Hanft & Samantha Yonack1h 27mEnglish Documentary Feature
After a decade of making music together, Jim and Sam, a recently married singer/songwriter duo from Los Angeles, were not the conventionally successful band they hoped they’d be. Feeling stuck and anxious about their future, the duo made a spontaneous decision to go “all in,” making a pact to play one show every day for a year. With suitcases and a guitar, the troubadours ventured out for a 365-day tour down unexplored roads, and onto unexpected stages, bringing their music to new audiences throughout 14 different countries. After So Many Days, is an intimate front row seat to the highs and lows of what it’s like for two people to pursue a dream, together.

5:00 PM

Delta College Planetarium
1h 10m

Hurry Slowly (Skynd Deg Sakte)

Anders Emblem1h 10mNorwegian (English Subtitles)Narrative Feature
A warm slice-of-life film about Fiona and her younger brother Tom, whom she takes care of. We follow Fiona over a few life-changing summer months on the north-western coast of Norway, where she juggles the care of her brother, her job at the local ferry and her interest in music.
Hurry Slowly

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Feature Film 2019, Best Cinematography, Best Lead Actress - Amalie Ibsen Jensen (Fiona)

5:00 PM

Bay County Historical Museum
2h

Gutterbug

Andrew Gibson1h 40mEnglish Narrative Feature
A crust punk named Bug grapples with the realities of homelessness, mental health, drug use and toxic friendships. On his 21st birthday he resolves to find his way home to the family he left behind, a task that leads him and his misfit crew down a dangerous path.
Gutterbug

HHM Jury Nominations: Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, Best Lead Actor - Andrew Yackel (Bug)

7:30 PM

State Theatre
1h 33m

Teen Spirit

Max Minghella1h 33mEnglish Narrative Feature
Closing Night Film --- Violet is a shy teenager who dreams of escaping her small town and pursuing her passion to sing. With the help of an unlikely mentor, she enters a local singing competition that will test her integrity, talent and ambition. Driven by a pop-fueled soundtrack, Teen Spirit is a visceral and stylish spin on the Cinderella story.