The 2009 Riverside Saginaw Film Festival

This is a seminar to help actors who want to pursue an acting career on a professional level. Among the elements covered will be learning how to write a cover letter to talent agencies, developing an acting resume, how to get a headshot, and what to look for when signing a contract. Teacher Alex Alexandrou is a professional actor, having worked in film, television, commercial print, theater, and voiceover. More Info

Join Julie Andrews as the magical super-nanny tending to a stuffy upper crust Edwardian-era English family in a sing-along version fun for the whole family. The movie won five Oscars, including for best visual effects and best music, and combines live action and animation. More Info

In this animation film, three hilarious shadow puppets narrate both an ancient tragedy about a goddess separated from her beloved husband and a modern comedy about an animator whose husband dumps her by e-mail. The action is set to 1920's jazz vocals. Winner at Berlin and Denver International Film Festivals. More Info

When a Texas family realizes its autistic son shows a deep calm in the presence of the family's horse, they embark on a unique adventure to Mongolia. Special preview of a film due for release in the fall. Winner at Sundance, Sarasota and South by Southwest Film Festivals. More Info

Raised Alone Saginawian Jerry Seward is the associate producer of this short subject filmed in Michigan and directed by Sam Kadi. Kadi and other crew members will attend and talk about Michigan's developing film industry. An obsessive workaholic father who neglected his son in order to ensure his family’s financial security seeks a reconciliation when his violinist son makes his word-renown solo debut. Winner of the Best Michigan Short award at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival. More Info

Locked Away Saginawian Timothy Rooney produced this film and will attend its showing. In it, Michael Turner returns from the Iraq war to his small home town, a relieved family ... and a legion of the undead. Protecting the townspeople from the zombies and fighting his own inner demons follow. More Info

Coraline Based on the Neil Gaiman book, a young girl walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life - one much better. But when her adventure turns dangerous, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to get back home.

My Neighbor Totoro Two young girls move into a house in the country with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. Soon they discover the nearby forest is inhabited by magical creatures called Totoros who lead them on magical adventures.

More Info

For more information on our children's movies and this festival event, view our Press Release (PDF format).