EFF25: So You Think You’re Funny?

Where does inspiration strike and when? How can the arts help us move through grief and how can grief inspire creativity? Is there a “right way”? How much power does art have to alter our reality? These questions are impossible to answer concretely, but the creatives featured in this shorts block are willing to share with you what works for them. Filmmakers in attendance, including Producer & Artist Sarah Bamford Seidelmann who's hosting a class at Ely Folk School during the festival on Saturday 3/15 at 12 PM.

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 Waabani Noodin 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.

This showing will open with the short film "The Gift": Daniel is a young Sámi man who always knew he wanted to be a reindeer herder. The only problem is that his family is not involved in reindeer herding, and he doesn't know how to reach his dream. "The Gift" is a film that lends insight into modern day reindeer herding practices and Sámi traditions. But first and foremost, it's a story about trust, friendship and the liberating power of giving. Filmed in the Árjepluovi region of the unceded territory of Sápmi.