Cancel culture meets musical theater. What could go wrong?
A group of conservative theater artists gather in a secluded cabin in rural Georgia with an unlikely mission: to reclaim their place in the American performing arts.
American Theater is a daring, real-life documentary that follows a dismissed director and his new ensemble as they create an original musical based on the Salem witch trials. What begins as a creative experiment unfolds into a tense, often surprising exploration of belief, identity, and the role of art in an increasingly divided country.
Directors Nicholas Clark and Dylan Frederick embed the audience deep within this rehearsal process, capturing moments of vulnerability, conviction, and contradiction. Rather than taking sides, the film listens—closely and unflinchingly—as its subjects reckon with rejection, purpose, and the meaning of artistic freedom.
As the first feature film ever presented at Emberlight, American Theater sets the stage for bold conversations and brave storytelling. This is a film that invites discomfort—and demands attention.
INDEPENDENT VOICES. INTERNATIONAL VISIONS. UNFORGETTABLE FILMS.
The Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing film festivals in the country, bringing exceptional feature and short films from across the globe to Ironwood, Michigan, from August 15–22, 2025. With a highly competitive selection process — only about 4% of submissions are chosen each year — EIFF curates an unforgettable lineup of bold storytelling, compelling performances, and visionary filmmaking.
Since 2021, EIFF has received thousands of submissions from over 80 countries across six continents, drawing a dedicated audience of film lovers and industry professionals alike. Attendance has soared year after year, proving that something special is happening in the Upper Peninsula — and word is spreading fast.
Filmmakers from the U.S., Europe, Mexico, and beyond have joined us to experience Emberlight’s signature blend of world-class art and small-town charm. The festival culminates in our award presentation on August 22, where we celebrate excellence in filmmaking with over $3,000 in cash prizes.
Screenings take place at The Ember Club, an intimate setting where artists and audiences connect in ways that larger festivals can’t offer. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a cinephile, or just someone who loves a great story, EIFF 2025 is your invitation to experience the power of independent filmmaking like never before.
MORE ART TO DISCOVER
Over the final two weeks over our festival, we rev things up into full Emberlight mode with the Film Festival and live performances hitting our local theaters. Stroll through Art in the Park and Emberlight Photographers in the afternoon, see international films or world-renowned performers in the evening, and mingle with friends and the artists over a pint in the evening. Plus it’s the most beautiful weather of the year in the UP!
This summer the Emberlight International Film Festival (EIFF) returns to The Ember Club on August 15, 16, 20, and 22. Pianist Adam Rothenberg and The Broadway Strings return to the Hurley Auditorium on August 21 and 23 for concert to close out our 5th anniversary season.
Plan your trip to Emberlight today so you don’t miss these unforgettable nights in the Northwoods.
