3rd Annual Ely Film Festival Taking Place Through Sunday

ELY, Minn. — The highly anticipated 3rd Annual Ely Film Festival is beginning today. With the event growing every year, they have quite the lineup.

An impressive 190, one of a kind films will be shown for the rest of the week. Many of the films highlight an indigenous or Minnesotan theme. Viewers can also expect documentaries, comedies, dramas and horror films.

The festival itself is taking place in the Ely Historic State Theater. One of the officials says, the atmosphere and energy is infectious.

“It’s exciting and cool actually to see the excitement of the filmmakers seeing their film on the big screen for the first time. And our Ely audience is so enthusiastic about supporting these independent filmmakers and Minnesota filmmakers. I think it just feels really good to see the end of the showing, there might be a whole audience applauding or even a standing ovation after a Q&A or something like that.” said Ely Film Festival Director and Founder, Jacob White.

One of the filmmakers is attending the event for the first time. She’s been to other festivals, but her film resonates with Ely, so she’s looking forward to the feedback.

“This is the first time that ‘Boundary Waters’ will be shown in Ely, which is where it was shot,” said Laura Fries, freelance producer & assistant director. “So it’s very exciting, but very nerve-wracking. I hope everyone in town likes it, because we pretty much put the entire town in the film, and so I’m very excited about that, to see how ‘Boundary Waters’ is received.”

The festival will continue until the 16th. If you’re interested in viewing a specific film, check out their website. Be sure to act quickly, as some of the shows are already selling out.