Michigan to Shine in Uptown Film Festival

If you are a fan of the Michigan film industry, this weekend is for you as the second annual Uptown Film Festival opens in Birmingham on Thursday.

The festival, which is expanding to three days in its second year, takes place at the  and  movie theaters.

With screenings of more than 50 films, the Uptown Film Festival celebrates the state's film industry by honoring movies made partly or entirely in Michigan. The festival will wrap up Saturday with the third annual Michigan Film Awards.

The festival marks the world, Michigan and Metro Detroit premieres of several films, including ; Brothers on the Line and Detroit Winter. In addition, Machine Gun Preacher has been chosen as the spotlighted film for the festival's annual charity gala Friday.

The festival is presented in part with the Oakland County Film and Digital Media office. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Gleaners Food Bank and Defeat the Label, a national anti-bullying nonprofit organization.

Birmingham Patch has complete coverage of the Uptown Film Festival, including a schedule of movie showings and events, right here. 

Uptown Film Festival

When: March 8-10

Where:  and , downtown Birmingham

Cost: Tickets for individual shows will be available for purchase at uptownpalladium.com beginning Thursday. All shows cost $10 each, while the Detroit Music Awards cost $5 for attendees. Check out a full lineup at .

Attendees may also purchase a variety of passes, including:

• Festival Pass ($75 per person): Allows attendees reserved seating into all film screenings and the Michigan Film Awards ceremony.
• Gala Event Pass ($100 per person): Allows attendees entry into the VIP charity gala and afterglow party March 9, featuring complimentary hors d'oeuvres. The gala will be followed by the sreening of Machine Gun Preacher.
• VIP Festival Pass ($150 per person): This pass allows attendess entry into the VIP charity gala and afterglow party, as well as all sponsored gifts. Pass holders also get reserved seating for all films during the festival.