Downtown, Williamston, Michigan

The grandson of Ralph and Charlotte Keller, the original owners of Keller’s Plaza, is pursuing his passion for filmmaking on the West Coast as an aspiring director.

​

He has recently reached a major milestone with the release of his second full-length feature film, Burt the Movie. Winner of multiple awards across the country, this heartfelt film will make you laugh, bring tears to your eyes, and leave a lasting impression.

​

As you watch, consider this: Joe Burke filmed the entire movie in just seven days on a budget of only $7,000.

​

Inspired by his own father’s real-life battle with Parkinson’s disease, Joe created this film as a tribute to both Burt Berger—who portrays himself in the movie—and his father.  Part of the proceeds of Burt the Movie will be donated to find a cure for Parkinson's disease.  

​

COMEDY/DRAMA | 78 MIN

Burt, a 69-year-old street musician living with Parkinson’s, has his life turned upside down when Sammy, a wayward young man from New York, shows up claiming to be his son. Having always dreamed of being a father, Burt embraces Sammy and invites him to stay for the weekend at his  home, where he lives with his grumpy landlord, Steve.

​

Inspired by the real-life of singer/songwriter Burt Berger, who stars in the film alongside actor Oliver Cooper; this movie blurs the line between reality and fiction with disarming authenticity. An instant laugh-out-loud-and-cry indie darling. The movie is a powerful love letter to Burt, his music, and the filmmaker’s own father, who also lives with Parkinson’s.