Film festival brings culture to the area

June 23, 2008 —

If one were to make a list of the complaints Saginaw Valley students have, it would probably be reminiscent of the scroll George Carlin rolled out in his famous "Words you can't say on television" sketch. A few choice words would probably be found on both lists as well. Regardless of its length, one thing you'd likely find near the top of that list of grievances would have something to do with the lack of activity not only on campus, but in the city of Saginaw and its surrounding areas.

If you're reading this in a busy area on campus, odds are if you stop for a moment, you can probably hear someone airing this complaint to whoever will listen. However, over this weekend, a much needed bit of culture is being brought to Saginaw by way of the Riverside Film Festival.

Over 60 films are scheduled at several different locations around Saginaw, along with directing and acting workshops, and even a claymation workshop. Some of the films scheduled include the critically acclaimed movies, The Fall, and 3:10 to Yuma, the latter of which is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Lawnchair Film Festival in downtown. Additionally, Kevin Murphy of the cult TV show Mystery Science Theatre 3000 will be on hand for a showing of the film adaptation of the show (surely this is enough in itself to make any sci-fi fan salivate).

The point of this piece - which has up until this point has basically been a glorified advertisement - is to point out a trend in this area over the past few years that has seen numerous developments in regards to recreational activity. In an area where economic woes have been no secret, it's nice to see what appears to be the beginnings of an upswing in activity.

Activity like this are one of the early steps to recovery for an area ours. Additionally, SVSU could - and should - look to events like this as inspiration for strengthening its own fledgling community.

This weekend's festival is exactly what our area needs - a dash of legitimate culture. However, the only way to be sure events like these are a success, and to ensure their continous return is to actually go out and enjoy what so many have no doubt worked hard to bring to the community.

You can find ticket prices and showtimes at riversidesaginawfilmfestival.org. This is our chance to enjoy something we don't often get in our part of the mitten, so enjoy it, and hopefully we can expect more in the future.

Alex Baumgardner is a creative writing senior and the Vanguard's editor-in-chief. Reach him at atbaumga@svsu.edu.