Courtesy photo Speakers for the Sunset Project discuss the project during a previous event. There will be a Sunrise Project event in Alpena on Dec. 19.

ALPENA — Alpena residents will have a unique opportunity to learn from two Traverse City filmmakers during a free keynote and workshop on Dec. 19 at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center theater.

Hosted by The Sunset Project, the event features filmmakers Joseph Beyer and Jordan Anderson, co-directors of the Michigan-made documentary Marqueetown. Their presentation, “Top Ten Lessons to Do Something Big (For Less),” highlights practical strategies they used to create and tour their first feature film on a modest budget. The workshop is designed for filmmakers, students, artists, and community members interested in how creative projects take shape.

The evening also offers an inside look at Beyer and Anderson’s upcoming documentary Junk Art Rebel, which follows Upper Peninsula metal sculptor Tom Lakenen and the creation of Lakenenland, his well-known outdoor art park near Marquette. The filmmakers will share why they were drawn to Lakenen’s story of creativity, resilience, and unconventional community building.

The event begins with a short film on the making of Marqueetown, followed by the keynote and an audience question and answer session afterward.

Attendees may join one of two small discussion groups focused on either film production or film distribution — offering a chance to learn more about interviewing subjects, gathering footage, developing screenings, and other aspects of independent filmmaking.

Participants who wish to stay involved will also have opportunities to contribute to the development and community rollout of Junk Art Rebel in the months ahead, though no prior experience is required.

The workshop is free and open to the public, though space is limited.

RSVPs are requested by Dec. 12 at:

https://www.thesunsetproject.org/post/creator-workshop