Founded in 2017 by Alma College student Patrick Mallett, the Pine River Film Festival quickly became a hub for emerging student filmmakers. Its inaugural year drew over 250 submissions from around the world, with 24 standout films selected for a one-day program on campus, bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate creativity, culture, and the art of film. Audience Awards and Grand Jury Awards recognized both popular favorites and artistic excellence, setting a standard for the festival’s commitment to honoring talent.

The 2018 edition, directed by Alma student Zachary Baker, marked a period of rapid growth, receiving more than 1,400 submissions from around the globe and solidifying Pine River’s reputation as an international platform for student voices.

Following this early success, the festival entered a hiatus. Alma’s student film culture persisted through the Short Stack Film Club, which remained active for several years before becoming inactive.

In 2023, Corey Zeneberg ’24 founded the Pine River Film Club, revitalizing student-led film culture at Alma College. The club hosted screenings, collaborative projects, and events, creating a foundation to rebuild the festival. By the 2025–2026 academic year, the club’s leadership included President Ethan Cotton ’27 and Vice President Alexis Norko ’26, who guided the organization in planning the festival’s highly anticipated return.

Nearly a decade after its founding, the Pine River Film Festival returns in 2026—revitalized by the Pine River Film Club and hosted at the Block House, a vibrant local hub for food, esports, and community events. The festival continues its mission of spotlighting student voices while celebrating the growing film culture at Alma College and the transformative power of storytelling.