BIRMINGHAM, Mich., February 4, 2011 – Leaders in Michigan’s growing film industry have joined together to launch the Uptown Film Festival (UFF), a celebration of Michigan-made movies and the productions created by Michigan filmmakers. The festival will take place March 11-12, 2011 in Birmingham, Mich. UFF Co-Executive Director Jeffrey Spilman made the announcement.
This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Oakland County Film. The festival is also being sponsored by the Michigan Film Office, the Detroit Medical Center, Film Detroit, Huntington Bank and FIT Film Industry Training offered by The Stautzenberger Institute. The UFF will showcase film and television productions that were created entirely, or in part, in Michigan and is being held at the Palladium 12 Theatre, located at 250 North Old Woodward Ave., and the Birmingham 8, located at 211 South Old Woodward Ave., both in Birmingham, Mich.
The UFF, in association with the Detroit Independent Film Festival (DIFF), will also host the Michigan Film Awards, an annual awards ceremony held to recognize the accomplishments of independent films in Michigan, on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Of the more than 235 films submitted to the DIFF, those identified as the best will be screened during UFF. Fox 2 News’ Lee Thomas will serve as emcee of the event.
The UFF will also showcase five larger Michigan film premieres, including Kill the Irishman, starring Christopher Walken, Val Kilmer and Ray Stevenson, which will screen on March 11th. Another significant film, Things Fall Apart, starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Ray Liotta, will premiere on March 12th. The Michigan Film Awards ceremony will be held following the premiere of Things Fall Apart on March 12th.
“We are extremely excited to bring the Uptown Film Festival to life this year,” said Spilman. “The films and talent highlighted during this event have played key roles in the substantial growth and success of the Michigan film industry during the past several years. This festival recognizes the hard work and dedication of the state’s film industry professionals, and the productions they’ve created in Michigan.”
VIP passes and tickets go on sale to the public on February 9, 2011. For more information on this event or to purchase tickets, please visit www.uptownfilmfestival.com.
Established in Birmingham, Michigan in 2011, the Uptown Film Festival (UFF) is a celebration of the Michigan film industry and, in particular, productions created entirely, or in part, within the state. It was established by leaders in the Michigan film industry and will be held annually to recognize the industry and individuals’ accomplishments within the state. Since the Michigan Film Incentives were adopted in 2008, over 7,000 production jobs have been created in addition to the 4,000 acting jobs for extras and day players. The film industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of Michigan’s economy. For more information on the UFF, please visit www.uptownfilmfestival.com.
