Students get a sneak peek of upcoming environmental film festival
(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) Friends of the Thunder Volunteer Hannah Hazewinkel leads a discussion with Onaway High School students on Wednesday.
Rogers City, Mich — It’s t-minus one week until the start of the 2019 Thunder Bay International Film Festival.
This afternoon at the Rogers City Theater, some local high school students got a sneak peek of what’s in store for the environmental film fest. Students from Onaway High School got to take a break from the classroom and watch a few short films.
‘Within some of these rural areas in northeast Michigan, it’s really important that we provide this opportunity for students that they might not have otherwise, ‘ said Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Hannah Hazewinkel. “It’s cool for me to engage them in these topics about conservation, education, and what film brings to us and for these topics.”
Students watched different types of short films centered around the Great Lakes and the oceans. The high school students also engaged in a small discussion after the showings that focused on the films, their impact, and effects on animals and people.
“When they talked about community building, hands-on experiences, and environmental policy, I didn’t even have to prompt that,” said Hazewinkel. “That just came up… that was really cool.”
Students all over the area will be getting a sneak peek of the movies coming to the international film festival this week and next week.
The Rogers City Arts and Education Fund, established by Marianne and Beach Hall, provided the experience this afternoon. Funding for some of the other sneak peeks are provided by the First Federal/mBank Community Foundation.
The film fest kicks off next Wednesday on the road at Alcona High School. Films come back to the Rogers City Theater on Thursday night. If the government shutdown continues, films will be shown at Alpena Community College next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If the government reopens, people can head to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.
for more information, scheduling, updates, locations, and tickets, visit www.thunderbayfriends.org.
