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International Film Festival coming to Wayne

By Sarah Shurge Tickets to see films will be $10.
Are you a film producer but your You can purchase tickets, become
work hasn’t been seen yet? Do you a sponsor, or find more information
enjoy watching other people’s film about the festival by visiting waynein-
productions? Have you wanted to ex- ternationalfilmfestival.com.
perience other cultures but maybe If you donate, you will receive
haven’t gotten the opportunity to perks for events: a swag bag and free
travel? tickets to movies or events you want
If you answered yes to any or all to go to.
of those questions, an event is com- If you are interested in submit-
ing to Wayne that is just for you. ting your film, you can do that on the
The first ever International Film website as well. General rules and
Festival will be happening Septem- submission categories are listed.
ber 9th through 12th at the State The cut-off for submissions is Au-
Wayne Theater. gust 31st.
“We are getting content via film or McKay also plans on donating ten
TV that comes from all over the percent of the festival’s proceeds to
world,” said Antoine McKay, presi- Champions of Wayne, a program
dent of the festival. “It’s opening up very dear to his heart.
a world for people who don't get to “I’ve seen people come out of this
see this all the time.” program and go on to do amazing
So far, there are things from things. They’ve really created an op-
Great Britain, two films from Russia, portunity for them,” said McKay.
and a film from Iraq and Ireland. Antoine McKay and his wife, Michelle McKay, came up with the idea of a festival This will be the first International
McKay and his wife, Michelle Film Festival, but McKay hopes it
McKay, vice president of the festival, about two years ago that will be at the Phoenix State Wayne Theatre in September. will become an annual event where
came up with the idea of a festival “It's beautiful to come from Wayne ceremony where awards will be pre- people will be given opportunities to
about two years ago. However, the because we just do things differently. sented for best actor/actress, direc- display their works of art for the
pandemic really sparked their desire There is a love that exists in Wayne. tor, and so forth. community.
to follow through with the idea for It's a special place and that's why
the city. this festival is so important. It hon-
“I was really blessed to have ors people where they come from
grown up in Wayne and went to and what they’re searching for,” said
Wayne Memorial. If I hadn't, I would- McKay.
n't have gone to college,” said McKay. McKay realized people all over
While attending Wayne Memorial, the world really just wanted to have
McKay received a scholarship to their work seen.
Eastern Michigan University, where “This city is a great city, we need
he studied theater arts. He went on to create a place for amazing art,”
to do acting and worked on every said McKay.
continent except Australia as an The festival will also have differ-
actor. ent events throughout the city such
Regardless of all the travelling he as a concert in Goudy Park, an im-
has done in his life, McKay still has prov workshop at Helium Studio,
a deep love and passion for the City special guests speakers talking
of Wayne. about film making, and an award

12 · August 2021 · The Wayne Dispatch