This year we set out to take risks, challenge, inspire, amuse and deliver what we're known for: uncompromising, high-quality experimental and original film. And now that the 45th Ann Arbor Film Festival is part of cinematic history, the reverberations are ringing out in all directions. We've received waves of positive reports from the more than 60 filmmakers who attended, long-time festival goers, and those new to the Ann Arbor Film Festival experience. From our memorable 'Hot and Bothered' panel about censorship to our heavenly "censored" chocolate bars (take a bite out of censorship - literally!) to our "Banned in Michigan" program, there were some serious sparks flying this festival week. As always, the biggest magic occurred on the big screen with numerous sold-out shows, enthusiastic audiences and incredible, jaw-dropping cutting-edge work.

And we'd like to thank YOU - all the people who attended, volunteered, donated, submitted work, and even cheered us on from the sidelines. Special thanks to everyone at the Michigan Theater for allowing us to set up camp and make everything run so smoothly. We also give gratitude to all of our sponsors, and especially our major sponsors for helping us in a major way: Film Threat; Borders; MetroTimes; SEE Eyewear; and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Saturday, March 24th @ 1:30pm in the Michigan Theater Screening Room

Thank you to Chris Gore (Founder, Film Threat), Eddie Schmidt (Producer/Cowriter, This Film Is Not Yet Rated), Elaine King (Professor of the History of Art & Theory and Museum Studies, Carnegie Mellon University), and Matthew Bernstein (Chair, Dept. of Film Studies, Emory University) for an unprecedented discussion of censorship in the arts.

Censorship is not just an action enacted by government officials or boards of review. Everyone must come to their own decision about what they find acceptable in the arts, morally appropriate for their families, and desirable for their own tastes and interests. This panel will discuss the questions people must ask themselves when trying to determine what they find objectionable, and the importance of thoughtful reactions in such circumstances.

Find out more about the panel members and the discussion!

The Ann Arbor Film Festival and the University of Michigan Film and Video Student Association was proud to present the original midnight movies by visionary director Alexandro Jodorowsky, EL TOPO (1970) and THE HOLY MOUNTAIN (1973).

At the 45th Ann Arbor Film Festival, midnight movies were held at The State Theater. This was the first time the Ann Arbor Film Festival has ever exhibited at the State, and we enjoyed the evening that wasa memorble and rousing, sold-out success!

Thank you to Alexandro Jodorowsky, Abcko, the Film and Video Association and the State Theater for a historical night of cinema, and their contributions to the Ann Arbor Film Festival.