The Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck

Ranked one of the top five film festivals in the world by the Screen Actors Guild, the care-free beach vibes of the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan has been bringing indie films to the Midwest, and thousands of moviegoers, since 1999. In the past, Waterfront has been the location of hit premiers like the Academy-award winning documentaries March of the Penguins and Born into Brothels as well as comedy hits like Napoleon Dynamite.

Besides the cult classics and smash-hits, enjoy over 70 independently-created films, shorts, and full-length movies at the Waterfront Film Festival. There are five different venues around town, all with picturesque views of the Art Coast.

After a brief hiatus when the festival moved to South Haven, the Waterfront Film Festival returns close to home in an effort to find a location that will support its growing fan base. This year, you can enjoy the Waterfront Film Festival’s brand new venue, theatre, and education space near downtown Holland, only a short, 15-minute drive north from The Hotel Saugatuck. Repurposed from an old auto-body shop, the new headquarters is also a 200-seat theatre that will host the Grand Opening and first film set on June 22nd.

Despite its changes recently and effort to find a place to belong, the future looks bright for the Waterfront Film Festival. With growing attendees, visiting celebrities, and a top-five ranking for the planet, the Waterfront Film Festival will continue its annual movie screenings and celebration of the artistry behind independent films.

For more information about the 2017 Waterfront Film Festival and to purchase festival tickets online, visit the non-profit’s website.