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This week, I was lucky enough to have a conversation with Trần Hoàng Calvin, the founder of Michigan’s Cans Film Festival. An independent film festival that accepts donations of cans, no matter the amount, for admittance to the event. Featuring the work of Michigan filmmakers and enriching the community surrounding it, Cans shows no signs of slowing down. This weekend, July 17th – 18th, film lovers will witness the talent of Michigan Filmmakers, and, for the first time, the festival will have full-length features.

Our conversation highlights the importance of grassroots festivals and the passion needed to make them successful. As a Michigander, Calvin wants to set up filmmakers with the tools they need, and Cans does just that. Dive into our conversation below, watch the event promo, and see what makes Cans Film Festival one to keep on your radar.

Megan Loucks: “Thank you for doing this interview with me! Could you tell readers a little bit about yourself, and what got you interested in film?“

Trần Hoàng Calvin “My name is Trần Hoàng Calvin. I’m a filmmaker based here in Grand Rapids. I grew up here in Jenison, went to school in New York City, and moved back to Michigan during the pandemic where built my production company, NODEHAUS Media where we produce and edit documentaries, several different YouTube series, and all manner of social media content that is focused on social advocacy and impact. I first began my film career in 5th grade when I used my dad’s camcorder to make stop-motion animation videos with LEGO bricks and I never looked back.”

ML: “What is the inspiration behind the Cans Film Festival?“

THC: “The Cans Film Festival is inspired by so many different sources, but the most direct one was an experience I had in 8th grade, back when I was on the Jenison Jr High Science Olympiad team. We won 2nd place at State competition that year, punching our ticket to the National competition for the first time in over a decade. In order to raise the money to go, the team and our parents went door to door, asking for donations of cans and bottles. Not only did it work, we raised the money we needed, but it also introduced us to our community and so many of our neighbors were impressed, supportive and wanting to learn how they could help us more when they found out their local school was representing them on the national stage.”

ML: “Your festival offers attendance with donations of cans, no matter the amount. What impact does this have on the community? It seems like a dream to make this accessible to everyone interested.“

THC: “The mission is to help local and independent artists build a real connection to their community and audiences. When guests come to the Cans Film Festival, they will get to meet the very filmmakers their recyclable donations are going to support, and we hope they can stay connected for their full careers.”

ML: Tell us about why the Wealthy Theater is the home for Cans Film Festival. What has that partnership been like?

THC: “The Wealthy Theatre, restored in the 1990s and dedicated to the community, is itself a testament to what our West Michigan community can do when we work together. Coordinating this festival with their team has been a perfect partnership, especially because we fit into their independent film programming so well.”

ML: “Cans doesn’t just offer screenings, there’s also workshops to empower Michigan filmmakers. What makes you and the rest of your board so passionate about the film community in Michigan?“

THC: “The landscape for filmmakers, especially independent artists has changed so dramatically in the past decade, and not for the better. The major studios are consolidating and streaming on-demand presents serious economic incentives towards risk-averse franchises, rather than new and independent films and shows. This means that for local filmmakers like those of us here in Michigan, we need to play a must larger role in the direction of our own careers and the Cans Film Festival is focused on helping to lead the conversation.”

ML: “What are some of the films featured this year that you are excited for audiences to see?“

THC: “It’s hard to pick, but because this is the first year we’ve programmed feature-length films, I’m excited to see our opening night film The Daughters of the Domino, a crime thriller shot in the Detroit region, and Walter, Grace & The Submarine, a romantic comedy shot here in Grand Rapids. These two films are a great introduction to just the sheer talent we have right here in Michigan.”

ML: “This is the festival’s 4th year of operation, what are some of your goals for the next 4 years with Cans?“

THC: “We started with a short film block screening in a converted storage unit back in 2023. For the next four years, our goal is to help early and mid-career Michigan filmmakers go beyond just learning how to make a movie, but now to learn how to properly distribute their movies with year-round programming and even an incubator fellowship. Stay tuned!”

ML: “What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?“

THC: “Every year, we get to meet new filmmakers, each with their own unique experiences and backgrounds, all of which shines through in their work. It is already amazing to see how our festival alumni continue in their careers, but I’m even more excited to see where it will take them in the years to come.”

ML: “As someone who leads grassroots festivals such as Cans, what advice would you give to someone looking to do something similar?“

THC: “Start small, start in your local communities, and be consistent with your mission.”

ML: “To close us out, what is your favorite aspect about Michigan filmmaking?“

THC: “In the same way our Lions, Pistons, Tigers and even Red Wings have embraced an identity of grit, so too have our filmmakers. Despite the noise in Hollywood and other superstar cities, never count out the spirit and hard work of Michigan’s artists.”

For more information on Cans Film Festival visit their website, and make sure to follow them on social media!