Festival

Festival presentation: 

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
As part of the Lake Pepin Art & Design Center the Flyway Film Festival’s mission is to support the work of emerging film artists, as well as working professionals. As such we’ve attempted to keep the submission process as simple as possible hoping to give more filmmakers access to have their work screened in front of an engaged competition jury and a responsive audience.

Festival Nickname: 

Flyway Film Festival

Edition: 

2

Festival Logo: 

Theme: 

Adventure

African Films

American Films

Animation

Arabic Films

Art, Dance, Music

Art-house films

Asian Films

Awards

Black Culture Films

British Films

Children

Comedy

Crime

Digital

Documentary

Education

Environnement & Nature

European Films

Family

Fantasy / Science Fiction

Flash

French Films

German Films

Historical

Homosexuality

Horror films

Human Rights

Independent

International

Italian Films

Japanese Films

Jewish Films

Latin American Films

Multimedia

National

Religious films

Romance

Science

Senior

Silent films

Spanish Films

Sport

Student films

Thriller

Underground

War

Western

Women

Youth/Teen

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
We are located approximately 90 minutes southeast of downtown Minneapolis on the banks of a wide spot on the Mississippi River called Lake Pepin.
Pepin, Wisconsin and the surrounding communities have become home to many artists, artisans and craftspeople that have relocated here from areas like Minneapolis, Chicago and other big cities. In many ways we are a growing and burgeoning arts community.

Filmmaker Pericles Lewnes commented-

I drove 22 straight hours to attend the festival and support my movie, LOOP.

I didn’t know what to expect.

My experience was so wonderful and meaningful, that Pepin is the new emotional “happy place” that I bring to mind when I get the blues.

I predict the Flyway Film Festival will become one of the most popular and exclusive independent film festivals in the country. The community is passionately involved and supportive. Everyone I met was warm, friendly and brilliant. I think my IQ went up ten points when I entered Pepin. Sadly, I had to give them up when I left.

The programming was outstanding and the films cutting edge. Filmmakers I met there were insanely talented and forthcoming in the Q&As after their screenings.

Rick Vacius, the festival director, is incredibly gifted and knowledgeable about films and film genre. His passion made this a festival that was so well realized, so well planned, that it astounds me that this was his first. His wife Diana who seemed to be able to be in several places at once was always working hard to make sure everything went smooth and everyone felt at home.

I can’t remember everyone’s name or title - Bill, Kristen, Gina, Chuck, Judith, Will, Alan and Steve - (Forgive me if I left someone out) but you guys made me feel right at home and you will forever reside in a warm part in my heart.

This is a brilliant film festival - Five Stars - top notch!

Any filmmaker lucky enough to be selected for Flyway should make it a priority to attend. There screenings are well attended, there is flawless projection, and a hospitable friendly environment for artists. This festival cares about it’s audiences, filmmakers, and the art of filmmaking - and it’s free.

LOOP won a special jury award at Flyway and it is the most meaningful award I have ever won.

My extreme gratitude goes to everyone, the Lake Pepin Art & Design Center, Plum Creek Associates and EVERYONE in the town of Pepin. I cannot tell you how happy I am that LOOP was part of your inaugural festival.

Again, filmmakers, if you are lucky enough to be selected for this jewel, do yourself a favor and attend.

We look forward to your entry and meeting you in Pepin!