Seven years ago, Susan Woods took the reins of the first East Lansing Film Festival while looking to add a bit of cinematic art to a town sorely in need of it.

With no precedents set for the event, she gathered a collection of independent films, called in some of the directors, writers and actors - including Michael Moore and Sophie B. Hawkins - and made her little festival into a big-time annual event.

"(The first festival) was unbelievable. It was put together with spit and sweat," Woods said. "We had such an incredible first time. It was a magical event that was the beginning of what has become a great event."

Seven years later, the East Lansing Film Festival is running as strong as ever, and festival founder and director Woods couldn't be more excited.

"What sets this film festival apart is that the caliber of films we have chosen is the best we've ever had. We're bringing the crème de la crème to East Lansing," she said.

Featuring more than a hundred international films, workshops and roundtable discussions with filmmakers, the seventh annual ELFF kicks into high gear tonight

with the Michigan premiere of "The Corporation," a documentary about globalization, to be shown at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road.

The festival, which will run through Sunday, has become a cornerstone of the East Lansing artistic community, bringing the city and MSU together for a weekend of cinematic glory and fresh perspectives in a time of Hollywood dumbing-down.

"It's a film festival where people can experience creative individual efforts and share in the experience. These films don't need a $10 million budget or major distribution," Woods said. "People want to get away from the Hollywood pabulum that is forced down their throats. Film festivals are replacing the dying art houses. People are getting their fix with extended programs like this."

The festival offers film lovers a chance to get out and see films that otherwise are unavailable in the area - many of which are not even available for rental. From the bittersweet, tragicomic short "The School" and avant-garde animated shorts to the inquisitive and informative documentary "The Weather Underground," the festival offers a wide array of films for any taste.

But it's more than just a chance to veg out and watch films all day - it's a chance for film lovers of all walks to experience cinema in its purest form while getting insight into the process.

"The audience is going to be blown away, and they'll probably complain that they can't see all the films. Each of these films will affect them," Woods said.

One highly touted screening is that of "The General," a critically acclaimed silent comedy classic. But there's a twist. Blue Dahlia, a Kalamazoo-based band offering a fusion of many styles, will provide live music for the film.

"It's considered one of the top-five funniest films of all time, and it's going to be like a concert. It's a nice blend of two different kinds of media," Woods said.

Also on the agenda are appearances by many of the filmmakers and producers involved with the films. East Lansing native and screenwriter Joel Bakan will be on hand to discuss "The Corporation." Among other special guests scheduled to be on hand at screenings are Mahmoud Shoolizadeh, director of the Iranian film, "Noora"; co-producer Karin Chien of the award-winning "Robot Stories"; Upright Citizens Brigade member Lawrence Blume, director of the comedy "Martin and Orloff"; director Christopher Baldi of the drug drama "Grace and the Storm"; and more.

Those interested in the technical aspects of film can attend the workshop "20 years in 2 hours: How to Film Digitally," which offers a hands-on look at digital filmmaking. The workshop will be taught by Gary Glaser, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker.

"You go to see a film and sometimes you have a question. Here you get to ask it. It amplifies the whole filmgoing experience," Woods said.

Another aspect of the festival that has drawn attention is the Lake Michigan Film Competition (LMFC), which features 40 films from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Erin Kay Burke, director of the LMFC, said the films in the competition were selected based on cinematography, acting and direction, among other specifics.

"We were looking for all elements of a good production. I think out of the 120 films we received, the 40 we chose were the ones that really employed all those elements," Burke said.

"It really encourages people to keep making films, to explore the medium, to try new things and not get bogged down by Hollywood."

Woods said incorporating local filmmakers is part of the overall spirit of the festival.

"When we can praise our own, it's part of what the festival is," Woods said. "These people sacrifice so much to get their films made, and they only have one forum to start - film festivals. This is how they make it happen."

Bob Albers, an MSU professor of telecommunication, information studies and media, is one such director. A veteran of television documentaries, Albers, along with fellow faculty member Gary Reid, co-producer Holly Greisman and 15 students, will present his documentary "Inside Jazz: Everybody's Welcome," which examines the generational links in jazz and chronicles jazz phenom Wynton Marsalis' work with MSU jazz students.

"It's great (to be a part of the ELFF). Usually, my work is premiered on TV. I'm very honored to be a part of it. It's a special way to premiere my work," Albers said.

"A lot of students are in the festival, and that makes it a opportunity for people who haven't had the luck … to get their work out to a larger audience."

Another entrant in the LMFC, Christopher Irvin, will be attending the festival to support his short, "Algorythm," a sci-fi tale about trying to retrieve life-altering information through mind reading. Irvin, co-founder of filmmaking group Dream Orphans, made the film as a collaborative effort with other area filmmakers.

Irvin said the festival is an important tool in drawing attention to film as art.

"It pushes the idea of filmmaking. Not only does it push people to see the films, but it opens people up to art," Irvin said. "It's important to have art in a community. It lets people see these stories and opens people's minds."

Irvin also applauded the festival as a way for people to broaden their viewing horizons.

"It's important because it gives people the avenue to show their films to more than their families and friends," he said. "It's important for art in general. A lot of people don't know about independent films. People will see that these films can be just as important as a big-budget Hollywood film."

Tickets for the East Lansing Film Festival are available at Video To Go in Frandor Shopping Center or online at elff.com.

For more information, including schedules and prices, visit elff.com or call (517) 483-9522.