Last year’s Waterfront Film Festival featured many films that were hits with film lovers and popular with critics. Most notable was the documentary Oscar winner, "Born Into Brothels." Other worthy films that found appeal with national audiences were "The Story of the Weeping Camel," "Saved," Napoleon Dynamite," "Open Water," and "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle." All are somewhat under the radar, as they did not get the $30 million Hollywood marketing budgets.

The festival this year, set in the beautiful, art loving town of Saugatuck, Michigan, promises to be just as good if not better. One of the featured films is "Me and You and Everyone We Know," a poetic and penetrating observation of how people struggle to connect with one another in an isolating and contemporary world. Christine Jesperson is a lonely artist and "Eldercab" driver who uses her fantastical, artistic visions to draw her aspirations and objects of desire closer to her. Richard Swersey (John Hawkes), a newly single shoe salesman and father of two boys, is prepared for amazing things to happen. But when he meets the captivating Christine, he panics. Life is not so oblique for Richard's sons, seven-year-old Robby, who is having a risqué Internet romance with a stranger, and his fourteen-year-old brother Peter, who becomes the guinea pig for neighborhood girls— practicing for their future of romance and marriage.

In this film about the modern world, the mundane is transcendent and everyday people become radiant characters who speak their innermost thoughts, act on secret impulses, and experience truthful human moments that at times approach the surreal.

"Murderball" is A film about quadriplegics who play full-contact rugby in Mad Max-style wheelchairs. They overcome improbable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Part of the fun in attending a film festival is to learn interesting stories and be entertained with movies that don’t have the benefit of marketing hype. The fact that you have not heard of the film title should not discourage you from attending. The selection committee puts forth a lot of effort to ensure that you will be pleased with what you see. All you need do is read a capsule preview of the film to determine if it’s something that interests you.

Known as "Michigan's Art Coast," Saugatuck is unique in its combination of culture and summer fun! Whether your interests include cruising the many art galleries in the Saugatuck/Douglas area, or sailing along the coast of Lake Michigan’s Eastern Shore, sunbathing, golf, fishing or dining out at premiere restaurants, all tastes can be indulged. From funky to eclectic, Saugatuck's attractions will make your stay unforgettable.

The venues where the films are shown are indeed eclectic, including an outdoor concert and screening (both are free on June 9^th). Regular venues are at the Yacht Services Club, Center for the Arts, the High School and American Legion.

For accommodations, you can contact the visitors bureau at 269-857-1701 or visit "The Travel for Less" link at our web site. From Lake County, the drive is about 3.5 hours. Saugatuck is literally right across Lake Michigan from Chicago. Most of us will go by car but for some of the boaters in the Chain of Lakes, they can go across the water.

There are various ticket options, such as the $8 per admission price and the Super Pass for $150 that provides admissions to all films and seminars. The deluxe "FastPass" at $250 is good for all films, all seminars, no standing in lines, the Saturday Night party, and guaranteed seating up to five minutes prior to the film’s showing.

For more information, please visit their web site at www.waterfrontfilm.org.