From poets to woodworkers, Freep Film Festival shines light on unseen artists

Detroit Free Press Staff
·7 min read
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At this year's Freep Film Festival, several filmmakers turn their camera on fellow artists. They take us into the lives of painters, poets, performers and photographers; woodworkers, writers, actors and other filmmakers.

In 10 films, and a program of six short documentaries, filmmakers will introduce viewers to names that have resonated for decades, artists who are breaking through and artists whose recognition is overdue.

Here's a look at those films.

‘And the king said, what a FANTASTIC MACHINE’

In the documentary "And the king said, what a FANTASTIC MACHINE," filmmakers Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck use archival footage to track the history and philosophy of images and their meaning in society.
In the documentary "And the king said, what a FANTASTIC MACHINE," filmmakers Axel Danielson and Maximilien Van Aertryck use archival footage to track the history and philosophy of images and their meaning in society.

The camera is a fantastic machine. Filmmakers Axel Danielson & Maximilien Van Aertryck turn their cameras directly on society, this time to explore, explain and expose how our unchecked obsession with image has grown to change our human behavior. Michigan premiere.

6 p.m. Sat., April 29, Michigan Science Center

‘Being Mary Tyler Moore’

With unprecedented access to Mary Tyler Moore’s vast archive, “Being Mary Tyler Moore” chronicles the screen icon whose storied career spanned 60 years. Weaving Moore’s personal narrative with the beats of her professional accomplishments, the film highlights her groundbreaking roles and the indelible impact she had on generations of women who came after her. Michigan premiere. 

12:30 p.m. Sat., April 29, Michigan Science Center

12 p.m. Sun., April 30, Michigan Science Center

'Being Satori Circus ~ A Performance Documentary in Five Acts'

ÔBeing Satori CircusÕ - A Performance Documentary in Five Acts tells the story in an unusual, hybrid, non-fiction/fiction narrative style of the history of this artist, while keeping some of the mystery intact.
ÔBeing Satori CircusÕ - A Performance Documentary in Five Acts tells the story in an unusual, hybrid, non-fiction/fiction narrative style of the history of this artist, while keeping some of the mystery intact.

For 34 years, artist Satori Circus has enlightened and astonished audiences in metro Detroit with his unique style of theatrical performance art. “Being Satori Circus ~ A Performance Documentary in Five Acts” tells this story in a narrative that fuses non-fiction and fiction storytelling and keeps the artist’s mystery intact.

After the film: Local journalist and author Rob St. Mary talks with director Mark L. Finnell and Satori Circus.

5:30 p.m. Thu., April 27, Michigan Science Center

4 p.m. Sun., April 30, Michigan Science Center

‘ELMORE LEONARD: “But Don’t Try to Write”’

Elmore Leonard in the documentary "Elmore Leonard: But Don't Try to Write, about the prolific author's career.
Elmore Leonard in the documentary "Elmore Leonard: But Don't Try to Write, about the prolific author's career.

Elmore Leonard, author of more than 40 novels, is renowned in the literary community. From his westerns and early novels of crime based in his hometown of Detroit and South Florida, right through his complex and virtually plotless later work, Elmore Leonard dissected an America whose founding sins have continued to haunt it.

After the film: M.L. Elrick, the Free Press’ “On Guard” columnist, talks with John Mulholland, the film’s writer and director, Richard Zampella, the film’s editor and producer, and Peter Leonard, novelist and son of Elmore Leonard.

3 p.m. Sat., April 29, Michigan Science Center

‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’

‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ is a look at the life of poet Nikki Giovanni and the revolutionary historical periods through which she lived, from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.
‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ is a look at the life of poet Nikki Giovanni and the revolutionary historical periods through which she lived, from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter.

“The trip to Mars can only be understood through Black Americans.” Legendary poet Nikki Giovanni’s revelation is a launching pad to an inspiring exploration of her life and legacy. Through a collision of memories – including of her time in Detroit – moments in American history, live readings of her poetry and impressions of space, Giovanni urges us to imagine a future where Black women lead, and equity is a reality. Michigan premiere.

After the film: On Friday, Juanita Anderson, filmmaker and area head of media arts & studies at Wayne State University, talks with directors Joe Brewster and Michele Stephenson. On Saturday, Anderson talks with Brewster.

5:30 p.m. Fri., April 28, Michigan Science Center

5 p.m. Sat., April 29, Michigan Science Center

‘Is That Black Enough For You?!?’

Billy Dee Williams in "Is That Black Enough For You?!?," the directorial debut of Higland Park native Elvis Mitchell.
Billy Dee Williams in "Is That Black Enough For You?!?," the directorial debut of Higland Park native Elvis Mitchell.

From celebrated writer, film historian and Highland Park native Elvis Mitchell, “Is That Black Enough For You?!?” is both a documentary and deeply personal essay. The film examines the craft and power of cinema from a perspective often overlooked: the African American contribution to films released from the landmark era of the 1970s. It is a deep dive into the impact that point of view had on movies, as well as popular culture, and serves as a love letter to film, posing questions that have never been asked, let alone answered. Michigan Premiere.

After the film: Elliot Wilhelm, director of the Detroit Film Theatre, interviews director Elvis Mitchell and Laurence Fishburne.

 6:30 p.m. Thu., April 27, Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts

'Like a Rolling Stone: The Life and times of Ben Fong-Torres'

The American-born son of hard-working Chinese immigrant parents who came to America with fake IDs, Ben Fong-Torres broke barriers writing for Rolling Stone, quickly becoming a full-time editor. The documentary shows Ben surviving the magazine start-up’s rocky financial times and staff uprisings, helping to propel its meteoric rise into popular culture.

Before the film: Filmmaker Suzanne Joe Kai talking about her career as an independent filmmaker and award-winning journalist.

Afer the film: Writer and producer Kristine Patnugot talks with Kai and producer Doug Blush, an Oscar-winning editor and producer and Michigan native.

‘Make Me Famous’

The documentary "Make Me Famous" takes viewers into the 1980s New York City art scene through the colorful career of painter Edward Brezinski, a Michigan native hell-bent on making it.
The documentary "Make Me Famous" takes viewers into the 1980s New York City art scene through the colorful career of painter Edward Brezinski, a Michigan native hell-bent on making it.

An investigation into the life and death(?) of Detroit-born artist, Edward Brezinski, a charismatic Lower East Side painter on the fringe of success, who thwarted his career with antics that roiled NYC's art elite. This madcap romp starts in Detroit as the filmmakers investigate what happened to Brezinksi, who changed his name from Brzezinski after moving to New York. The trail takes them to the South of France in an intimate look at the art world's attitude towards success and failure, fame and fortune, notoriety and erasure. Michigan premiere.

After the film: Kathy Kieliszewski, Freep Film Festival artistic director, talks with filmmakers Brian Vincent and Heather Spore.

3 p.m. Sun., April 30, Michigan Science Center

‘Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story’

Photographer Corky Lee is the subject of a film on his work documenting the every day lives, the triumphs and struggles, of Asian Pacific Americans.
Photographer Corky Lee is the subject of a film on his work documenting the every day lives, the triumphs and struggles, of Asian Pacific Americans.

For 50 years, Chinese American photographer Corky Lee tirelessly documented Asian Pacific Americans and kept a relentless record of their everyday lives, celebrations, and struggles.  Director Jennifer Takaki’s intimate portrait reveals the triumphs and tragedies of the man who produced a vast collection of compelling photographs that tell the Asian Pacific American story for generations to come.

After the film: Chien-An Yuan, an Ann Arbor based interdisciplinary performer and visual artist, talks with director Jennifer Takaki.

1 p.m. Fri., April 28, Detroit Historical Museum

‘Shorts Program #1: Creative Types’

The documentary short “Sydney G. James: How We See Us” explores the work and process of visual artist Sydney G. James, whose murals and large-scale paintings amplify the status of Black women in society, address police brutality and celebrate the Black family and community.
The documentary short “Sydney G. James: How We See Us” explores the work and process of visual artist Sydney G. James, whose murals and large-scale paintings amplify the status of Black women in society, address police brutality and celebrate the Black family and community.

They work with wood, with paint, with their imaginations. Whatever the approach, the unforgettable personalities featured in these six short documentaries make indelible impacts on the world by following their own paths – and their own creative instincts.

  • “Out of the Woodwork”: In northern Michigan, sawyer Dan Baker is obsessed with wood and the state's forests. But his preoccupation comes with a cost. Directed by Brody Kuhar. (2022)

  • “Senghor Reid: Make Way for Tomorrow”: Discover the evocatively colored and boldly themed work of Detroit visual artist Senghor Reid. Here he reflects on family, the calming power of water and the inspiration provided by his hometown. Directed by Detroiters Eden Sabolboro and Desmond Love. (2023)

  • “Really Good Friends”: In a hotel room, a woman shares a surprising and provocative story of longing and unlikely connection. Directed by Detroiter and U-M Dearborn assistant professor Adam Sekuler. (2022)

  • “In Bloom”: An intimate depiction of two women who lean into custom woodworking as means of artistic expression and building a life together in their Indiana community. Directed by Detroiter Ashley Davidson. (2022)

  • “Daron, Daron Colbert”: While navigating a hardscrabble existence in the oft-neglected southwest Detroit neighborhood of Delray, aspiring actor Daron Colbert unspools stories of his past through audition tapes. But what’s true, and what isn’t? Directed by Detroiter Kevin Steen. (2022)

  • “Sydney G. James: How We See Us”: This revealing portrait of the acclaimed Detroit muralist delves deeply into her art – and her mission of uplifting Black women and Black people in general by emblazoning the walls of the city. Directed by Detroiter and Wayne State faculty member Juanita Anderson. (2023) After the films: Steve Byrne, Freep Film Festival cofounder and 2023 shorts programmer, talks with the directors.2 p.m. Sat., April 29, Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts

‘With Peter Bradley’

A portrait of Peter Bradley, the subject of a documentary that captures the dedication of an artists with ties to Detroit, who reached success in the 1970s and who has been overlooked since.
A portrait of Peter Bradley, the subject of a documentary that captures the dedication of an artists with ties to Detroit, who reached success in the 1970s and who has been overlooked since.

Seventy-nine years old and overlooked since the 1970s, abstract painter Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his artistic process on the cusp of his rediscovery. A barrier breaking artist, Bradley had spent some of his formative years in Detroit. Bradley went on to build an incredible resume early in his career, but then fell on hard times. When filmmaker Alex Rappoport met Peter Bradley in 2020, he hadn't had a major show in over four decades, yet he still painted every day. Michigan premiere.  

After the film:  Georgea Kovanis, a Free Press staff writer, talks with director Alex Rappoport.

2 p.m. Sat. April 29, Michigan Science Center

Live recording of 'The Treatment'

Elvis Mitchell, host of NPR's "The Treatment" and director of the documentary "Is That Black Enough For You?!?" will be at the 2023 Freep Film Festival. Mitchell, a native of Highland Park, will hold the position as the Bob Allison (Allesee) Endowed Chair in Media at Wayne State University beginning in May 2023.
Elvis Mitchell, host of NPR's "The Treatment" and director of the documentary "Is That Black Enough For You?!?" will be at the 2023 Freep Film Festival. Mitchell, a native of Highland Park, will hold the position as the Bob Allison (Allesee) Endowed Chair in Media at Wayne State University beginning in May 2023.

Oscar-nominated actor Laurence Fishburne will be the featured guest during a live recording of Elvis Mitchell’s popular radio show “The Treatment.” “The Treatment” features the Highland Park native in conversation with some of the most influential people in the arts, entertainment, sports and fashion.

7 p.m. Sat., April 29, Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Freep Film Festival 2023 spotlights artists breaking boundaries