Open Your Home to Creativity: Host a Filmmaker at the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival!
February 3, 2025
The AAFF Guest Housing Program is where Ann Arbor residents open their homes to a traveling filmmaker in exchange for a Full Festival Pass, including access to the Opening Night Reception catered by amazing restaurants from the area. Hosts and filmmakers both fill out a confidential questionnaire, and people are matched to one another based on their interests and preferences. I began hosting when all I had was a futon in my living room; other hosts have offered spare rooms, and a few have even offered an entire guest house. Whatever you have to offer can make the difference in an artist even being able to attend.
I am now in my third year as the Guest Services Coordinator, and I marvel at the growth the AAFF has seen in attendance even in these short two years. We were hit pretty hard by the pandemic, and when we began in-person screenings in 2022, our numbers were fairly low. Many of our long-time hosts from prior years had moved out of the city, and many filmmakers were still apprehensive about traveling. In 2023, however, the number of artists we had in person doubled, and we still had enough community involvement to house each filmmaker who applied for the program (and a few filmmakers who showed up last minute!).
Last year, it felt like “we were back.” The Opening Night Reception was festive and alive. Filmmakers in attendance had doubled yet again, and the community responded—again—by ensuring that each one of them had a place to land each night! One of the things that sets us apart from other festivals is how immersive our community is. While many of our hosts in 2024 were first-timers, they jumped into the screenings, parties, salons, and more with both feet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more friendships form between hosts and their guest artists than I did last year, and I lost track of all of the filmmakers that sought me out to tell me how much they loved the people they were staying with.
In case it isn’t clear, you are the people who make this experience so amazing. If you have hosted/are hosting, I can’t express my gratitude enough. If you are curious about hosting, please contact me at guests@aafilmfest.org with any questions.
Hilary Nichols, a first-time host from 2024, is one of the people that truly stood out to her guests. She was happy to share her experience with the public!
What got you interested in hosting a filmmaker?
I was excited for the opportunity to host a AAFF Film maker in my home. Realizing that I would earn a festival pass was really encouraging but even more so, I was glad to feel more involved and invested in the artistic community of the festival.
What are some of your favorite experiences as a host? What did you get out of it?
My favorite part was getting an event pass to go along to all of the artists' reception parties at the great venues around town. My filmmaker friend and I went to a bunch of bar parties and met a whole crew of cool international artists night after night.
What has your experience with the AAFF been like in general?
I was so impressed with the level of professionalism of the film festival with a very classy opening party and all the events throughout the week. You can certainly tell that this festival has the benefit of years to fine tune the guest experience.
What would you like to say to anyone who might be interested in hosting this year?
If you have an extra space, I would highly recommend hosting a film maker. It is such a valuable exchange, and a great opportunity to become more familiar with the arts community, from a front row, cheering on your new friend and all the filmmakers that are here for this important festival.
I certainly will host again, each year.
