Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Two graduates from Highland Township and Milford will have their movie exhibited as the Cinetopia Film Festival’s Opening Night Feature.

The festival, held in Ann Arbor, runs from May 15 to 18. According to a press release, it is a “celebration of ‘the best films from the world’s best festivals.’”

The movie, “Lady Parts,” was directed by Nancy Boyd and produced by Meghan Griesbeck. Both Boyd and Griesbeck are 2018 Madonna University alumni. Production assistant Brett Wheat, set photographer Khayman Brunswick and Jacob Elliot, who worked on the audio, also graduated from Madonna.

The story is based on the life of writer and producer Bonnie Gross and tackles the topic of women’s health and sexuality. “More than a story of medical procedures and awkward family dynamics – the film is a rally cry for body positivity and self-advocacy,” the press release said. “The mission of ‘Lady Parts’ is to shatter the stigma surrounding the discussions about women’s bodies, and to shed light on the cultural shame and silence that often accompany such conversations, so viewers can embrace open and honest conversations about their health.”

“Michigan will always be my home, and I am so excited to bring ‘Lady Parts’ home,” Boyd, from Ann Arbor, said. “Bringing our feature here feels like a full-circle moment. Madonna University helped give us the skills we needed to make this film and getting to have our professors and some of the current students in attendance is really fulfilling.”

There will be a post-film Q&A with Boyd, Griesbeck and lead actress Valentina Tammaro.

“As soon as ‘Lady Parts’ hit the festival run, we’ve been hoping to have the opportunity to bring it to Michigan,” Griesbeck said. “‘Lady Parts’ had been a true passion project and so personal to us. Bringing it to Michigan, a place that allowed us to originally find our passion in filmmaking, it feels really special! We’re excited for everyone to see it!”

The premiere is being held on May 15 at 7:30 p.m. An additional screening will be held at 9:30 p.m. on May 16. Both screenings will be held at the Michigan Theater.

Tickets and more information can be found at the link below.

(photo credit: Madonna University)