From Founder to “Festival Mom”: Nicole Szymczak, Reflects on 16 Years of Capital City Film Festival
Sometimes the best interviews do not happen in a formal setting.
Sometimes they happen on a walk with a neighbor.
I recently caught up with Nicole – soccer mom, MSU communications professional, neighbor, and one of the original founders of the Capital City Film Festival, and what started as a casual walk turned into one of those conversations that sticks with you.
And apparently… We solved a few world problems along the way as she sent this text later that evening.
“Thanks again for the walk tonight — we should definitely make that a regular thing. I’m convinced we could solve most of the world’s problems out there 😊”
Same, honestly.
We talked about the early days of the festival, the effort it took to build something creative and lasting in Lansing, how motherhood changes the way you see storytelling, and what it means to step back without stepping away.
This year, Capital City Film Festival celebrates its 16th year, and while Nicole isn’t in the same all-in, six-month planning role she once held, she’s still very much part of it.
Just… differently. Now, as a board member, leaning on her network to encourage community support to keep it going and growing.
A festival built with big vision
Nicole has been part of CCFF since the beginning, back when the goal was not just to host screenings, but to create something that felt vibrant, visible, and deeply rooted in Lansing.
One memory still stands out.
“Our first opening night party was at the former Troppo, an anchor of Michigan Avenue, and we imagined a red carpet all the way to the Capitol.”
The goal?
To bring energy, art, and storytelling right to the people shaping Michigan’s future.
And it worked.
Turning Lansing into a living theater
One of the most unexpected parts of the festival?
They don’t just use venues, they transform them.
“We’ve turned store fronts, old buildings, even museums into pop-up theaters… places people don’t usually go to see films.”
From churches near the Capitol to unexpected spaces like the old Sears building, CCFF has always been about reimagining what’s possible and inviting the community along for it.
Still a hidden gem (somehow)
Even after 16 years, Nicole laughed about one thing:
“People still say, ‘I didn’t even know this existed.’ While others have been die-hard volunteers since the start.”
And honestly? That tracks.
Because this isn’t just a sit-and-watch kind of festival. It’s interactive, evolving, and intentionally different.
Her role has changed, and that is the point
One of the most honest parts of our conversation was hearing Nicole talk about how her role has evolved.
“As we were launching the festival, I was becoming a real-life mom—so the work and the mission became deeply personal at the same time. As a co-founder and board member, my role has shifted to making sure the festival continues to grow and thrive year after year.”
For years, festival season meant running from venue to venue, coordinating volunteers, managing logistics, and pouring months of planning into two intense weeks.
Now?
There’s a new generation stepping in, including those leading this year’s “Sweet 16” Red Carpet Premiere Party, and Nicole gets to watch that happen with pride.
“The Red Carpet party is themed ‘Sweet 16’ and is being led by our next-gen leaders, which has been really fun to watch, especially as many of them become parents. I love creating a reason for people to dress up and celebrate the start of a great festival committed to sharing new perspectives, something we will always need.”
She’s still there. Still invested.
But now she shows up a little differently.
“Many of our own kids are popping the popcorn, serving guests and taking tickets. It’s wild to see our families grow up over the years. I show up, help where I can… I’m ‘Festival Mom’ now, through and through. ”
And honestly, that title says everything.
Motherhood, storytelling, and real life in between
Nicole’s background is in journalism and storytelling, so it’s no surprise she gravitates toward stories that stick.
But motherhood shifted that lens.
“urns out the most meaningful stories aren’t the ones you chase—they’re the ones unfolding right in front of you.”
From everyday chaos to meaningful milestones, storytelling looks different now, but it still matters.
And like many of us, she’s navigating what it means to build something meaningful outside of kids and work, too.
“I appreciate the chance to share a bit about CCFF—and the support system, especially my husband, who’s made space for me to have a life beyond kids and work.”
Relatable on every level.
Why CCFF is approachable (and worth checking out)
One detail Nicole emphasized, and one we love:
“One thing we’ve been especially proud of from the very beginning — every film is just $5. Keeping it accessible has always been core to who we are.”
That matters.
If you’ve never checked out the festival, this is your sign.
A great entry point?
Family Friendly Shorts on Saturday, April 11, which Nicole says are always a highlight.
“One that’s already sticking with me is Dear Robot — a really moving short about a girl who reconnects with a robot from her childhood, with a bittersweet and unexpected ending.”
She also mentioned that volunteer opportunities are open,, which is a great way for individuals or families to get involved behind the scenes.
Style evolution, but make it red carpet
One of my favorite details from Nicole?
Her red carpet evolution.
“In my 30s I was channeling a little Carrie Bradshaw, and now I’m aiming more for Sylvie Grateau — understated, empowered, and chic.”
Honestly… same energy shift.
She even shared photos from the early days, pregnant at the festival multiple times, red carpet moments with baby Coco (now a high schooler), and her time as a producer and actress in local films when it all began.
Because this isn’t just a story about a festival. It’s a story about growing up with something.
Style evolution, but make it red carpet
One of my favorite details from Nicole?
Her red carpet evolution.
“In my 30s I was channeling a little Carrie Bradshaw, and now I’m aiming more for Sylvie Grateau — understated, empowered, and chic.”
Honestly… same energy shift.
She even shared photos from the early days, pregnant at the festival multiple times, red carpet moments with baby Coco (now a high schooler), and her time as a producer and actress in local films when it all began.
Because this isn’t just a story about a festival. It’s a story about growing up with something.
More than a festival
At its core, CCFF feels like proof that creative community-building can last.
Sixteen years in, it is still bringing people together. Still highlighting stories from around the world. Still creating reasons to show up, connect, and experience something new.
And for Nicole?
It’s no longer about doing everything.
It’s about making sure it continues.
About supporting the next generation.
About showing up when she can and knowing that’s enough.
Because sometimes success isn’t staying in the same role forever.
Sometimes it’s building something strong enough that it keeps going… even when your role changes.
And sometimes the best title in the room isn’t founder, producer, or board member.
Sometimes it’s simply: Mom.
Or in Nicole’s case, Festival Mom.
GLAMoms Meet a Mom Sponsor information
Today’s Meet a Mom featuring Nicole Szymczak was brought to you by Boji Group.
Boji Group specializes in Private-Public Partnerships, has offices in both Lansing and Birmingham and is headquartered in downtown Lansing.
Did you enjoy getting to know Nicole Szymczak? Or learning more about the upcoming Capital City Film Festival?
We’re grateful to Boji Group for partnering with Greater Lansing Area Moms to bring you our popular GLAMoms Meet a Mom feature and we’ve been honored to introduce so many amazing local moms and businesses through this collaboration!
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Are you interested or know of someone who would make a great GLAMoms Meet a Mom?
Send a message here and we will take it from there!
*photos provided by Nicole Szymczak
And Nicole and Christine live in the same local neighborhood. Stay tuned for this duo and their problem-solving efforts… we’re convinced we can solve most of the world’s problems out there. 😊
