Block 4-Michigan Documented

About This Program

Short documentaries showcasing life in different corners of Michigan.

Behind Our Walls

Director: Nate Roels

Documentary Feature, United States, 2023, 46 min, Color, Student Project - Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Despite all odds, a group of inmates in Michigan join a Bachelor’s degree program, in order to change their lives—and change the system.

Great Lakes Connection

The film takes place in Ionia, Michigan.

CAST & CREW: 

Director: Nate Roels
Producers: Nate Roels

Director Biography

Nate Roels is a director based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the founder of Second Mile Video.

Director Statement

Behind Our Walls is a story of transformation, growth, and of hope. It’s an opportunity for viewers to hear life-changing stories of incarcerated men, many of whom will spend the rest of their lives in prison, and to explore the power of higher education behind bars.

More Info:

• WEBSITE
• TRAILER
• FACEBOOK
• INSTAGRAM

Rivalry: Battle of the Bay

Director: Gillian Van Stratt

Documentary Feature, United States, 2024, 58 min, Color

It’s a battle of east versus west, of haves versus have-nots, with a year, if not a lifetime, of bragging rights at stake. Go deep into a town that wears its heart on its sleeve as two rival Michigan high school football teams prepare to face off in the final game of the 2023 season.

Bay City Central has dominated the 48-year rivalry, but the inner-city school has struggled in recent years with declining enrollment.

Bay City Western is a thriving rural school with an energetic coach but struggles to shake its identity as Central’s “little brother.”

An original MLive documentary.

Great Lakes Connection

The film was shot entirely in Bay City, Michigan.

Cast & Crew:

Director: Gillian Van Stratt
Writer: Lori Chapman
Producers: Lori Chapman, Neil Blake, Santino Mattioli

Screenings/Awards:

One-day screening at Bay City 10 GDX (Bay City. Michigan), April 13, 2024