MARQUETTE — Thursday night saw the kickoff of the 2024 Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette.

The film festival is a staple of the fall months in the Marquette area and features films that focus on enviornmental issues and culture of the Great Lakes region.

The festival features not only film showings but also encourages attendees to explore the area through guided outdoor activities in that include rock climbing, rowing, waterfall hikes, fall color hikes and history tours.

Aaron Peterson, organizer and cofounder of the festival, is also an independent filmmaker and has two entries in this year’s festival.

“We have Great Lakes filmmakers and films from all over the world. The work is mostly outdoor-related and profiles of individuals about conservation and inspiration” Peterson said.

“We set the festival at this time as the summer is over and the winter season has not yet begun to give Marquette a boost to the usual tourist seasons.”

The festival gives out three awards each year, including the best regional feature (over 25 minutes), the best regional short (under 25 minutes) and best first time filmmaker.

Some of this year’s offerings include:

“Michigan’s Skiing Legacy,” is a 52-minute film directed by Ryan Busch. The film explores skiing culture in the Upper Peninsula, which is known as the birthplace of organized skiing in the country.

“Kiko” is a 16-minute short directed by Peterson. The film focuses on Kiko, “the Keweenaw’s favorite Brazilian Yooper. He rides bikes, plays accordion, makes a little trouble and tells truths that we all probably need to hear.” Peterson said.

“A Sea Change for Superior: The Warming of the World’s Largest Lake” is a 60-minute film directed by John Thain. The film takes a fresh look at Lake Superior’s natural and cultural legacy, how the lake is faring in a time of unprecedented change and how citizens can help mitigate today’s problems and those that the future portends.

“The Bike Listening Tour” is a 16-minute short film by first-time filmmaker Nate Mitka. The film follows Andrew Mohama on his solo cycling tour across America as he investigates loneliness. Inspired by his passion for community, Mohama sets out to learn more about the loneliness epidemic in America, biking along less-traveled rural roads, and at one point, biking across “America’s Loneliest Highway.”

“Fake It Til’ You Kinda Make It” is a 120-minute film directed and featuring director and comedian Katie Burrell. With a background in stand-up comedy and improv, her character-driven creative skills have ranged from award-winning films “Dream Job” and “Coach” to viral brand content on social media. This past year, Burrell wrote, directed and starred in her first feature film “Weak Layers”, which was in theaters in January and is now streaming.

For a full listing of films, times and details about the showings at the six Marquette venues, visit www.freshcoastfilm.com.