IN THE LAND OF PALM OIL focuses on the casualties, both human and environmental, of palm oil exploitation in Indonesia. The film fuses first hand accounts of villagers -- victims of land-grabbing by large global corporations who pay off local and national officials -- and vérité observations of young Dayak activists who are trying to expose the brutal human rights violations.
"Antarctic Voyage" is a new documentary from award-winning filmmaker Kevin Schreck about a biological research expedition to the remote island of South Georgia, starring charismatic field biologist, Dr. Samantha Monier. Part modern-day adventure film, part visual tone poem, "Antarctic Voyage" sheds a light on the current state of the polar region's majestic wildlife, and the intrepid explorers who are dedicated to preserving and understanding what remains of our fragile, vital natural world, all through a refreshingly unconventional manner from the standard nature documentary genre.
Help us celebrate the Ely Premiere of the feature drama Boundary Waters. The cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 PM at the State Theater Lounge with hors d'oeuvres and concessions/beverages available for purchase. We will have a Behind-the-scenes photo slideshow and music playing. Be sure to purchase or redeem tickets for the 7 PM showing of Boundary Waters in advance. We will sell out. Come dressed and ready to party!
Over 100 Elyites were involved with the production of Boundary Waters, filmed in Ely during May - June 2023. The community participated as crew members, background extras, stand-ins, as well as providing locations, special equipment, transportation, and other support services. Let's celebrate filmmaking in our small town!
Photos by Mike Fitzgerald, Wolvenwood Studios
Over 100 Elyites were involved with the production of Boundary Waters, filmed in Ely during May - June 2023. The community participated as crew members, background extras, stand-ins, as well as providing locations, special equipment, transportation, and other support services. Let's celebrate filmmaking in our small town!
Photos by Mike Fitzgerald, Wolvenwood Studios
Two brothers, disinherited and desperate for cash, journey into the Canadian wilds to find themselves, their people and their fortune.
In the Iron Range of Minnesota, 12yo Michael is just learning to flirt with girls and find his place among his friends, when one night his mother is badly hurt. Desperate to fix what happened, Michael tries to become a man in a world where he learns some men cause harm.
Director Tessa Blake, Producer Erin Mae Miller, and leading actors Allison Miller & Bill Heck in attendance!
Director Tessa Blake, Producer Erin Mae Miller, and leading actors Allison Miller & Bill Heck in attendance!
After the premiere screening of Boundary Waters at Ely Film Festival, join us down the street at Insula Restaurant! The kitchen will stay open until 10 PM, bar until 11 PM.
Those of us who live here, in Northeast Minnesota know how to survive a cold winter and how to cultivate squash and tomatoes, despite a short growing season. Routines are set and potlucks are attended. One neighbor plows and another brings brownies over to the new family on the block. But how did we get here and what drives us to live in such a way?
This block explores our own relationships and stories, and the way our past interacts with our present and future. Hear reflections from your neighbors, including Lonnie Dupre, Lacey Squier, and Dave Hicks.
This block explores our own relationships and stories, and the way our past interacts with our present and future. Hear reflections from your neighbors, including Lonnie Dupre, Lacey Squier, and Dave Hicks.
The best laughter comes when we’re with friends, doing something we love. These filmmakers uplift and celebrate that experience! This block showcases the joys for a shared passion amidst pals.
This free Ely Film Festival event is taking place the Ely Folk School.
Movie Producer and Boundary Waters 2nd Assistant Director Laura Fries joins UMFO Workforce and Project Coordinator Matt Roy for a conversation about how to get involved with the burgeoning local movie industry.
Movie Producer and Boundary Waters 2nd Assistant Director Laura Fries joins UMFO Workforce and Project Coordinator Matt Roy for a conversation about how to get involved with the burgeoning local movie industry.
Our traditional EFF Opening Ceremony will take place in the State Theater on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 PM (please note the time change from 7 PM). We will kick off with a performance from Night Sky Drum, remarks from Indigenous cultural leaders & representatives from Ely Film Festival and Ely's Historic State Theater, followed by a showing of the regional documentary film Electric Indian. Filmmaker Leya Hale will be in attendance, with a special appearance by Keith Secola who scored the film! Q&A after the film will be followed by a live concert with Keith Secola and friends.
A documentary from filmmaker Leya Hale, The Electric Indian follows Ojibwe hockey legend, Henry Boucha. A stand-out hockey star from Warroad, Minnesota, Boucha impressed on the ice from the 1969 Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament to the 1972 Olympics to the NHL, but an on-ice assault and injury ended his athletic career that unexpectedly led to a journey of healing and cultural reclamation.
A documentary from filmmaker Leya Hale, The Electric Indian follows Ojibwe hockey legend, Henry Boucha. A stand-out hockey star from Warroad, Minnesota, Boucha impressed on the ice from the 1969 Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament to the 1972 Olympics to the NHL, but an on-ice assault and injury ended his athletic career that unexpectedly led to a journey of healing and cultural reclamation.
