By Greg Horner, Informer
For four nights in downtown Bay City I drank too much, ate too little and experienced something special. When people talk about Hell’s Half Mile being a film and music festival they only have half the story; I’m beginning to think the organizers only host the event so they can invite their friends and throw a party.
I met new faces and forgot them in the morning; I made new friends and got sick of them by the end. I saw so many good films and bands that it’s a real shame I can’t remember any of them.
That was mostly a joke, but I hope I’ve made everything clear. Bring your kids to the movies but most of the music venues are 21 and over; it isn’t called Hell’s Half Mile for nothing.
Every year has its ups and downs, tragedies and triumphs. But HHM isn’t really about the quality of the films or the sound of the music; it’s about a town coming together to celebrate life.
The one thing that struck me as I talked to the directors and musicians from out-of-town was how much they respected the community of Bay City. From the sponsors to the volunteers, the venues to the equipment, it takes a village to organize a film and music festival.
I heard so many positive things about the film “A Keeping Room” and the band “Cold Blood Club” it makes me sad that I missed them. But there was just so much to do, it would’ve been impossible to see everything.
But there’s always going to be some complaints. I can’t believe most of the films are played on some guy’s laptop, but I guess that’s the cost of technology. And as much as I enjoyed Ampersand Castles, they were the only musical act from Bay City. I’d love to see Darn Wishes and the Seagulls perform at the fest; maybe they could even get Citizen to show up.
The biggest disappointment though is just how many people have still never heard of Hell’s Half Mile. I saw lots of people downtown for the party, but too many familiar faces and not enough new ones. As great as the community is, at times it can feel just a little too insular for my liking.
I had conversations with filmmakers from Chicago and musicians from Brooklyn. At Hell’s Half Mile there are people from every walk of life and the best part is no one is taking themselves too seriously. They’re just there to have a good time and enjoy art.
But the best moments and biggest stories at Hell’s Half Mile are the ones I’m not at liberty to discuss. The rumors, the legends, the late nights and the mornings after. Let’s just say Hell’s Half Mile more than lives up to its name.
The HHM staff should be proud of their film and music festival. For 10 years Bay City has gone to Hell and back, and every year I look forward to it. Here’s lookin’ to 10 more years of good movies, good music and good times.
