The Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival (HHM Fest) is a
fight for independents! A fight to give our Mid Western audience the
opportunity to see and hear something outside the mainstream. A fight
to give independent filmmakers and indie bands the opportunity to
connect with a new audience. That's our mission.
More than an event for those who simply appreciate film and music, it's a
grassroots effort to develop a community that participates in the arts.
The festival idea developed from a "wouldn't it be great..."
conversation, into "we can do it" action. We hope our actions will
inspire others to develop new arts and culture opportunities in our
community.
HHM Fest is a cooperative effort of individuals and partners who, under
the umbrella of the non-profit Bay Arts Council, host the events,
participate in planning, donate their time and material support
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
What's with the name?
In the late 1800's, a stretch of Bay City's riverfront was lined with
raucous saloons and two-bit hotels where turn-of-the-century loggers and
shipmen would go to blow off steam and take in more than a little local
color. This strip was known as Hell's Half Mile.
Time has passed, but the same rough-and-tumble spirit of the day is
reborn in the Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival. Today, the
city boasts a beautiful downtown riverfront with boutiques, restaurants,
theatres, pubs, hotel accommodations and other points of interest....a
state of the art planetarium, art galleries, a thriving business
community, and an active shipping lane for Great Lakes
freighters...Downtown Bay City is alive with activity.
Our History
After six years, HHM has grown into one of the country's most innovative festivals for genuinely independent films and music.
Each year HHM screens great narrative films, such as romantic comedies
"Lebanon, PA," "Timer," and "Friends (with benefits)"...edgy films like
"Hysterical Psycho", "Registered Sex Offender" and "Rid of Me"...and
docs like "Official Rejection", "Run For Your Life" and "Color Me
Obsessed"...and award winning dramas "Girlfriend", "Maria My Love" and
"The Cake Eaters".
We've also brought in innovative, cutting edge music, such as Great
Lakes Myth Society, Leslie Sisson (Matt Pond PA and Wooden Birds),
Canada, The Nice Device, Baby Teeth, The One AM Radio and Matt Pond PA.
HHM loves to hosts filmmakers! The festival fosters a collaborative
environment, creating opportunities for guests to get to know the other
talented filmmakers attending. Past guests include Australian filmmaker
Christopher Weekes (Bitter and Twisted). Weekes topped the 2009
Hollywood "Black List" with his script, "The Muppet Man". Known for his
roles in the film "Cabin Fever" and the TV series "Boy Meets World,
Rider Strong attended with three acclaimed short films. Producer Shaun
O'Banion attended twice (Dakota Skye,Girlfriend). Television/Film Actor
Laura Allen appeared with her film "Cherry." Michigan filmmaker Sultan
Sharrief was on hand for his audience favorite "The Story of Bilal."
And, Gorman Bechard also attended twice for his films "Friends (with
benefits)" and the highly praised documentary "Color Me Obsessed".
Each year HHM celebrates homegrown Michigan film by inviting students
and local directors, writers, and filmmakers at all levels. HHM has made
it a point to showcase student work from Dodge College at Chapman
University, University of Michigan and Delta College.
FILMMAKER BENEFITS
HHM provides travel and accommodations to a limited number of attending
filmmakers, and All Access passes, parties and more to all attending
filmmakers. Some guests are put up in stately turn-of-the-century
lumber baron mansions converted to bed & breakfasts providing a
taste of Bay City's history. Guests are treated to tours of the
historic town and encouraged to participate in panel discussions,
receptions and other events.
Roedel Matthew 
