The Waterfront Film Festival unfolds in the lively summer resort village of Saugatuck, Michigan (two hours from Chicago) amongst the towering white sand dunes of the Great Lakes (voted one of the Top Five Beaches by MTV). Opening night kicks off with a sunset champagne boat cruise, followed by an energetic street party and outdoor screening on the water at dusk.
Sponsored by The National Endowment for the Arts, The William Morris Agency, Kodak, The Screen Actors Guild, Fox and MGM — this festival has skyrocketed in the past nine years — and is known for its filmmaker hospitality and fun…
In addition to screening over 70 captivating films (often to sell-out crowds) and having exciting celebrity guests, we offer a filmmaker friendly mingling environment including boats, jet skis, poolside bands, nightly parties and an infamous 24-hour complimentary frozen margarita machine.
Fine dining, art galleries and relaxing beaches are all within easy walking distance of quaint lodging, B&Bs, and film venues.
Some of the high-profile MIDWESTERN PREMIERES that Waterfront hosted in the recent past include: 2006 Academy Award Winner “MARCH OF THE PENGUINS”, “NAPOLEON DYNAMITE”, “GRIZZLY MAN”, “PITTSBURGH”, “OPEN WATER”, “THE DESCENT”, “RIDING GIANTS”, “HAROLD AND KUMAR GO TO WHITE CASTLE”, “WORD PLAY”, “SASQUATCH DUMPLING GANG”, Sundance Grand Jury Winner “PRIMER”, Academy Award Nominees “MURDERBALL” and “THE STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL”, and a Michigan Premiere of the Academy Award Winner “BORN INTO BROTHELS”.
Submissions are accepted October 1 – March 17. Please see our official website for submission guidelines as well as information on our screenplay competition and other opportunities.
The fest has been called “One of the most fun film festivals in the US”, and was voted as one of “Ten Really Cool Things To Do…” by The Chicago Sun-Times.
“Like a laid-back Sundance… Great Indie Films!”, hailed The Chicago Tribune, and SAGIndie lists Waterfront as one of the top 5 film festivals.
Waterfront is a 100% VOLUNTEER- RUN, NON-PROFIT EVENT.
All donations and proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales go directly to the operational budget of the festival. All donations are fully tax deductible and allow us to continue the tradition of the festival and to bring quality films and filmmakers to Michigan. We thank all sponsors and attendees for their support!