Mike Hughes

Feb 25, 2025 | lansingstatejournal.com | Mike Hughes

Talking to his forever friend Kevin, Jared Isaac had a question: Would it be OK if he made a movie about a magical month in Kevin’s past? The response, Isaac said, was basic: “He said, ‘Go ahead, man. There’s no way that’s going to be a movie.’”Except, now it is. “An Autumn Summer” arrives Friday, on opening night of the Lake Michigan Film Festival. “It’s very nostalgic,” LMFF Director Erika Noud said.

Feb 25, 2025 | lansingstatejournal.com | Mike Hughes

It was always clear that Jake VanKersen’s destiny involved movies. He was born on the day “ET” opened. He took his first job (in a movie theater, of course) on the day the “X-Files” movie arrived. And in between, he saw Tim Burton’s “Batman.”He began to realize something important, he recalled: “Filmmaking can be an art form.”But how do you get a movie made?

Feb 25, 2025 | lansingstatejournal.com | Mike Hughes

Two movies, both arriving Friday at opening night of the Lake Michigan Film Festival, feel like polar opposites:“I Agree With You” is propelled by words – great torrents of them – emerging from two gifted actors. For “An Autumn Summer,” the words count for less than the moods and the visuals – sweet, sleepy views of love and friendship lakeside in Michigan. But the two have key things in common. They’re independent films – one shot in Michigan, the other shot in Chicago by a Michigan native.

Nov 2, 2024 | lansingstatejournal.com | Mike Hughes

Here’s a look at the East Lansing Film Festival schedule. For details, or to see whether there are any late changes, check www.elff.com:The festival is Nov. 7-14 at Studio C theaters at the Meridian Mall. The opening film is $15. Others are $12, $9 for seniors and $8 for matinees. “Between the Lights,” 8:45 p.m., Nov. 8; 6:15 p.m., Nov. 11. A gentle romance blends with supernatural touches, demanding the audience’s patience.

Jun 5, 2024 | lansingstatejournal.com | Mike Hughes

A big, raucous musical and some small, personal dramas dominated this year’s Thespie Awards for local theater. “The Rocky Horror Show” – a favorite of rowdy theater and movie fans for a half-century – topped the musicals. The Riverwalk Theatre production won for best show, director (the duo of Shannon Bowen and Erin Hoffman) and featured actress (Ny’Kieria Blocker). It also won for its music direction, sound and choreography. On the flip side,, the intimate, four-person “Be Here Now” led plays.