Something is brewing for the Real to Reel Film Festival at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. We’re not talking about the incredible lineup of films, outdoor events, live music, awesome activities for kids or our opening night party.
No, we mean something is literally brewing: an exclusive beer crafted just for the festival!
That’s right, amidst their busy schedules in the runup to Real to Reel, an intrepid band of SCA staff, board members, sponsors and volunteers found time to head to Saugatuck Brewing Company to conjure up a batch of the aptly-named Reel IPA.
This easy-drinking, juicy IPA is sure to set the tone for a weekend of films and fun. Cans featuring a custom label design by Anthony Zart – the artist behind the 2020 Real to Reel poster – will be available during festival events at the SCA. Additionally, a keg of Reel IPA will be on tap at SBC for the entirety of the festival – or, until it runs out.
SBC has long been a supporter of the SCA’s mission to bring quality art, education and entertainment to Saugatuck, Douglas and the surrounding communities. Last year, the SBC Barrel Room hosted one of our Film Festival screenings. This year, explains Megan Scheerhorn, SBC’s vice president of marketing, the brewery decided to take the partnership to the next level.
“Last year, our role wasn’t as big of a part as I thought we could do,” says Scheerhorn. “We were talking to the SCA about our presence at Real to Reel and what we could do to amplify that a little bit. So, I said ‘Let’s make a custom beer.’ That way we can highlight the arts in our community and the art of making beer. It all just ties together.”
Designed by brewer Brad Gantz in collaboration with the SCA team, Reel IPA is loaded with Citra and Mosaic hops which lend citrus zest, pine, bubblegum and berry flavors to the brew. Irish moss helps clarify the beer, leading to a clear, refreshing beverage that should clock in around 5% ABV.
Delicious suds notwithstanding, Scheerhorn notes that partnering with the SCA for the Real to Reel Festival was an obvious choice given the shared commitment to the community. “The SCA is a huge draw for people to come to this community,” Scheerhorn says. “Being in the beer industry, we also draw in people – just for a little bit of a different reason. But a lot of times it’s the same kind of people who want to check out the arts and our local beer scene. In the last year, especially, we’ve been working together to figure out how we can benefit each other, how we can bring more people to the area, and how we can highlight art with the art of beer.”
Real to Reel Film Festival is West Michigan’s premiere film festival centered around humanity’s connection to the outdoors. Featuring films from Mountainfilm on Tour alongside events, discussions, parties and live music, Real to Reel offers contemplative, inspiring and entertaining perspectives on a variety of topics.
For a full list of events, go to realtoreel.sc4a.org and to get your tickets, head to www.realtoreel.sc4a.org/tickets/
Huge Thanks to all the Real to Reel Film Festival sponsors:
Premiere Sponsor: Roger and Anne Gamache
Gold Sponsors: John Cannarsa and Tim Straker, Experience Grand Rapids, Andy Knight and Beau Gratzer, Century 21 Affiliated Douglas (Bill Underdown, Tammy Kerr, Liz Engel, Pati Bekken, Brian Scieszka, Ryan Johnson, Kate Kraus, Patricia Tabachuk)
Silver Sponsors: Landsharks, Phils Bar & Grille, Twisthink, Saugatuck Brewing Co.
Bronze Sponsors: Cottage Home, Barbara & John Ludlow, Scrapyard Climbing Collective, Cindy & Matt Peterson / Tower Marine Boat Sales
Family Programming Sponsor: Meijer
Media Sponsor: Revue Magazine
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