Waterfront Film Festival offers entertainment for families

Published 9:00 am Saturday, June 9, 2012

This year’s lineup of independent films showing at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck include some family-friendly movies.

The 14th annual event takes place Thursday through June 17.

• “Somebody’s Hero” is about a New York City accountant who goes unnoticed by his boss and peers but somehow transforms into a much-needed superhero for the masses, despite having absolutely no super powers whatsoever. Preceded by family-friendly film short “The Jester.” Screenings are 9 a.m. June 16 and 11:30 a.m. June 17.

• “Wild Horse, Wild Ride” is a documentary about a handful of unforgettable characters who set out on a 100-day quest to each tame a wild mustang for a Texas competition. Preceded by “Tea for Two.”

• Shorts Spectacular is a collection of 10 award-winning short films that offer adventure, drama and comedy. Screenings are at 10 p.m. Thursday outdoors on the waterfront and 2 p.m. June 17.

Opening Night Party

Beverly McClellan of “The Voice” headlines the Opening Night Party, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday at Coghlin Park, near the intersection of Culver and Griffith streets in Saugatuck.

Advance tickets are $10. Other musical acts include Valentiger and Garrett Borns.

Renowned artist Ron English will be on hand to sign posters.

Christopher Coppola, known to many as the Biker Chef will offer a culinary demonstration 2 p.m. June 17 at White House Bistro. Tickets for the fundraiser to benefit independent film projects are $35 at waterfrontfilm.org.

Anticipated documentaries

With a rich tradition that includes the Midwest premieres of ground-breaking and Oscar Award-winning films such as “March of the Penguins” and “Man on Wire,” Waterfront Film Festival will screen a list of world-class documentaries that assist audiences in expanding their world view as well as their  appreciation for independent film.

• “Queen of Versailles” (Best Director Award – Sundance Film Festival)

Queen of Versailles follows billionaires Jackie and David’s tumultuous story of constructing a 90,000-square-foot home and uncovers the innate virtues and flaws of the American dream.

Special Engagement Screening – June 17 at 2 p.m.

• “We’re Not Broke”

This documentary tells the story of U.S. corporations dodging billions of dollars in income tax, and how seven fed-up Americans take their frustration to the street .. and vow to make the corporations pay their fair share.

June 15 at 11:30 a.m. | and June 16 at 2 p.m.

• “Buffalo Girls”

The heartbreaking story of two 8 year-old girls who fight in rural Thailand’s underground child boxing world to earn money to support their families.

June 15 at 2 p.m. and June 16 at 4:30 p.m.

• “Sadermania”

A Hulk Hogan fanatic experiences his obsession with the wrestler turn into a genuinely reciprocated friendship.

June 15 at 4:30 p.m.and June 16 at 11:30 a.m.

• “This Is What Love in Action Looks Like”

This documentary follows the inspirational story of teens protesting afundamentalist Christian program that strives to turn gay people straight.

June 15 at 9:30 p.m. and June 16 at 11:30 p.m.

Screenings are 11:30 a.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday.