Two Beloved Mid-Michigan Film Festivals Announce Final Year

Two long standing traditions and events in East Lansing are coming to an end this year.

Two Greater Lansing Independent Film Festivals are Ending

For years, the Lake Michigan Film Festival and the East Lansing Film Festival have called Mid-Michigan home. Now, after 29 years, both film festivals are coming to an end.

2026 will be the final year for both festivals.

Why are the East Lansing and Lake Michigan Film Festivals Coming to an End?

The festivals' founder, Susan Woods, says that even though the festivals are as successful as they've always been, she's tired and ready to bring the events to an end. Here's what Susan had to say about the final year for these two film festivals:

It's going to be very difficult to say goodbye to both of these film festivals. It breaks my heart, to tell you the truth, but it's something that needs to be done.

 

Final Festival Dates and Details

If you would like to attend the final Lake Michigan and East Lansing Film Festivals, here's when they are:

• Lake Michigan Film Festival - February 26 - March 1 at Studio C in Okemos. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for general admission. The festival will open with "The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit" at 7 pm. It also features short documentaries, student films, and independent feature films from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
• East Lansing Film Festival - Happening in October 2026; details are coming soon.

When these two film festivals end this year, that will leave only the Capital City Film Festival for local filmmakers to submit their projects to. This year marks the 16th annual Capital City Film Festival, which will take place April 8 - 18, 2026.