With Governor Synder’s recent proposal to cap Michigan’s film tax incentives, the state’s film industry may come to a halt. The executive director of the Detroit International Film Festival Robert Butler said it’s crucial for the state’s newest industry..
He said they are an important aspect to Michigan filmmakers and have increased the number of filmmakers in the state.

“One thing is this, a lot of people will move out of state to peruse their dreams, period. So many have stayed because of the incentives, it brought a lot of hope and inspiration for many,” Butler said.

“(But) the bottom line is this: There are a lot of creative, visionary and hardworking individuals in the state. We were making films before the incentives, we were making films during the incentives, and we will continue making films after the incentives.”

Co-owner of the Burton Theatre Nathan Faustyn said the removal of the incentives would hurt Michigan severely.

“It will kill the industry almost immediately, whether you agree with the incentive program or not, that is just the reality of the situation” he said in an e-mail.

“The DIFF is another young festival that helps to establish Michigan as a destination for film in general but as well for the industry. I think it helps to buttress the film making when there is an exhibition format.”

Although Snyder’s plans have yet to take place, it has a lot of filmmakers in Michigan worried.

Regardless on the outcome DIFF plans on continuing its journey in stride.

“We are going to grow DIFF into a much larger festival for next year” Butler said.

“We are getting a bigger board, including an advisory board of individuals with strong credentials who can help foster the festival. Our hope is to make DIFF into a top-notch film festival that is recognized and respected around the country.”

DIFF begins March 9 with Michigan Filmmaker’s Night at the Ren Cen 4 Theatre that will include several screenings and an afterglow party at Lefty’s Lounge.

There will be other events throughout the week, some taking place at the Burton Theater with a second afterglow party March 11.

On March 12, at Birmingham’s Uptown Birmingham 8 Theater, two films from Wayne State students will be shown, Marija Makeska’s “Marison” and Erica Watson’s “La Muse,” which are both nominated for Best Academic Film at the Michigan Film Awards.

“La Muse” is a story of the constant struggles an inspiring writer faces. The film also provides a brief look into a writer’s creative process.

“La Muse is about the relationship between a writer and his muse,” Watson said. “I really wanted to write something that was good. I began to think of my muse as an actual person who inspired me to write.”

The film was shot in the south of France during the 62nd Annual Cannes Film Festival.

Watson, who at that time had an internship with the Creative Minds in Cannes program, shot the film in French and won third place in the Campus Movie Fest.

The film stars Djamal Mohamed, a director Watson met while in France.

“We became friends, and I asked him if he would act in my film” Watson said. “I thought he had a very unique look and connectivity to him.”

Watson found her love for film at an early age, and although she was unable to focus on her love in high school, she is currently minoring in Film at Wayne.

“I have always been a writer, my entire life, but I became interested in film when I was 10 years old” Watson said.
“I was in the creative video class in the fifth grade. My teacher gave me the oppurtuntity to write the stories that were in my head and turn them into film.”

This year will be Watson’s first time attending the DIFF.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new filmmakers and viewing other projects,” Watson said.

“DIFF is extremely important to the Michigan film industry. I feel it’s important that we have more film festivals that show the work of student filmmakers in our city and state. It really excites me.”