Amanda Morton, Director

Grand Rapids Film Festival

Amanda Morton expanded her filmmaking and producer career by taking a giant leap into directing and reviving the Grand Rapids Film Festival, an event that had virtually disappeared and badly needed resuscitation. In this interview, she explains what gave her the courage to take it on and make it a success while acknowledging she still faces major challenges.

FMA:  Amanda, you courageously took on directing the GR Film Festival without much support.  You must have heard some kind of call to the challenge. What made you answer?

AM: There aren’t a ton of avenues for filmmakers in Grand Rapids so when I heard that the festival may close its doors I couldn’t let that happen. I wanted filmmakers to have a space and I wanted to open that space to as many types of creatives as possible.

FMA: What’s been the toughest hurdle?

AM: I would say there are two hurdles we haven’t yet solved. The first is finding consistent funding for the event space and prizes and the second is growing our team. We could benefit from additional board members, judges and volunteers. There are a lot of unpaid man hours that go into planning and executing a weekend festival. Over the last couple of years a few key members have joined and helped take the Grand Rapids Film Festival to the next level.

FMA: When did you feel certain you were on the right path?

AM: After Covid we had our first in-person 24 hour microfilm challenge and seeing everything come together so well assured me we were on the right path. We partnered with Muse GR and the diversity of artists who participated was amazing. Our youngest contestant was 6, there were a couple of college teams and film veterans from all over.

FMA: What are your dreams for the GRFF in the future?

AM: My dream for GRFF is that it’s able to continue growing and being inclusive. I would absolutely love for the festival to inspire the general public to attend and meet talented independent filmmakers.

FMA: What's new with GRFF this year?

AM: Too soon to tell.

FMA: Why should people attend and support the Grand Rapids Film Festival?

AM: Attending GRFF exposes you to all sorts of new ideas and perspectives, which is needed in today's polarizing climate. It gives a platform to filmmakers who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see their content on a big screen. And most importantly we create a space for creators from the music video space, digital space and traditional film space to share knowledge and advance their skillsets.

FMA: How do you see a partnership with the FMA working for both of us?

AM: I think working with FMA will help us to increase the awareness of festivals to the general public. Art is an important part of understanding and accepting others with different beliefs making it a valuable asset to any city and the people living there.