Milwaukee Film Festival

Overview

The Milwaukee Film Festival is Wisconsin's most important film festival. Founded in 2009 and held annually in April in Milwaukee, the festival screens over 100 films and has rapidly grown into one of the Midwest's most respected film events, known particularly for the extraordinary enthusiasm of its audiences.

Milwaukee's working-class, arts-engaged culture and its passionate community of film enthusiasts have made the festival renowned for its audience energy. The festival operates at the historic Oriental Theatre and other Milwaukee venues, and its sell-out screenings reflect the city's genuine appetite for independent and world cinema.

Milwaukee Film also operates the Cinema Hooligans membership program and year-round programming that gives the festival unusual institutional depth and a sustained community.

Key Sections

• Feature Film Competition -- international and independent features
• Documentary Competition -- nonfiction features
• Short Film Programs -- competitive and curated shorts
• Wisconsin Filmmaker Showcase -- films by Wisconsin-based filmmakers
• Special Events -- outdoor screenings and community events

What Filmmakers Should Know

Milwaukee Film accepts open submissions. For Wisconsin filmmakers, the festival provides the most important domestic platform. The festival's passionate audience creates exceptional premiere experiences for filmmakers attending in person.

Major Awards

• Audience Award -- the most important prize, voted by Milwaukee audiences
• Best Wisconsin Film

Festival History

Milwaukee Film Festival was founded in 2009 and has grown rapidly into one of the Midwest's most beloved film events, driven by Milwaukee's exceptional audience enthusiasm.

See Also

For Midwest film culture, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.