Documentary Film Screening - "Frontier to Freedom"

Frontier to Freedom Documentary
The origin story of Michigan to celebrate America250.

Documentary Film Screening
Director and Executive Producer: Keith Patterson, Manitou Films

Join the Leelanau Historical Society and Keith Patterson for a screening of Frontier to Freedom, a compelling documentary that unearths the rich and often overlooked history of Michigan, tracing its evolution from a vast wilderness inhabited by Indigenous peoples in 1600 to its emergence as the 26th state in 1837. Through expert interviews, archival imagery, animated maps, and stunning visuals, the film explores Michigan's formative years, its history of war and conflict on the American frontier, and the complex social and political forces that shaped its path to statehood. This engaging documentary offers a deeper understanding of the people, events, and challenges that helped shape Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Whether you're a history enthusiast, educator, or lifelong Michigander, you'll gain a new perspective on our state's remarkable story. Q&A to follow.

Run Time: 120 min.

Official Trailer:
https://vimeo.com/1184809288

Director Bio:
Manitou Films is an international award-winning film and television production company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Keith Patterson founded Manitou Films in 2022 after 15 years in Los Angeles as a producer on drama and comedy television series for ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, the CW, USA, E!, Lifetime, ABC Family, Nat Geo, and Disney XD. He has directed and produced advertising campaigns for brands such as Meijer, Mars, Johnsonville, General Motors, Toyota, Pure Michigan, and American Greetings. Manitou Films productions Frontier to Freedom, The Spirit of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Leelanau, Spirit of the Lake will be distributed PBS in 2026. Keith served as Board President of the West Michigan American Advertising Federation in 2020-2022, and Manitou Films was the recipient of the 2024 State History Award for Media from the Historical Society of Michigan.