[1] The festival is named after a stretch of downtown Bay City's riverfront known as Hell's Half Mile in the mid-to-late 1800s, when it was lined with saloons and brothels.

Loggers and shipmen would come into Bay City to spend their paychecks, gamble and get into fights on the Hell's Half Mile strip.

[2][3] In addition to independent films and indie bands, it includes social events, workshops, panels and a half-mile race.

[4] Starting in 2015, the festival partnered with Seed&Spark for a Crowdfunding Rally, where filmmakers can submit upcoming projects for potential audience funding.

[5] Films are screened at venues included the State Theatre, Delta College Planetarium and the Historic Masonic Temple.