Interlochen on the Silver Screen

Stuff We Love

Feb. 3, 2024

A film created by a team of Interlochen Arts Academy alumni, faculty, staff, students, and guest collaborators is headed to one of the nation’s major film festivals next month. Jedo’s Dead, a short about two young children losing their grandfather against the backdrop of 9/11, will make its world premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. Along with a host of Interlochen-affiliated adults, 12 students also served as production assistants. “The Cinema Collective is an idea that I have been discussing with our Film & New Media faculty and alumni for over ten years,” says Michael Mittelstaedt, director of the Film & New Media program and executive producer on the film. “To have our first film showcased by a prestigious festival like SXSW is an affirmation of the valuable opportunity the Collective provides—especially to our students.”