2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Set for April 12 – May 3, 2012

THREE WEEKS OF INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT CINEMA
The largest annual film event in the Upper Midwest returns…

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paulannounces the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, returning to the five screens of the St. Anthony Main Theatre April 12 through May 3.   The program of this exciting three-week celebration of independent filmmaking from around the globe will include some 250 documentary, narrative, and short films from more than 60 countries, visits from numerous international filmmakers and celebrities, and a host of gala events, parties, and receptions.

The Festival lineup includes a Spotlight on the Middle East highlighting the current rich mix of films coming out of Israel, many Arab countries including those in North Africa, and Turkey, long known as the gateway from East to West - curated by Alissa Simon Senior Programmer at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.  Also included is the always highly anticipated MINNESOTA-Made Showcase returning with great offerings from our own back yard - curated by Tom DeBiaso Professor of Media Arts at MCAD.

In addition, and in recognition of the 50th anniversary of The Film Society this year, Festival fare will include a retrospective highlighting favorite films from the last half-century, and a look forward to the next 50 years of innovative Film Society programming.
 
Save the date – Saturday Evening, April 21 – for the 50th Celebration Bash!  The Festival will also stage an array of panels, discussions, presentations and special events including Opening and Closing Night Galas, three MINNESOTA-Made parties, live music events.
 
Principal Sponsors of the 2012 MSP International Film Festival are The Star Tribune, The Thomas Lowell Grady Visiting Filmmaker Fund and Donors, and Summit Brewing.
 
Stay tuned for the Official Revamped Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival Website, going live soon.

For more information about the 2012 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival and other Film Society programming, contact Susan Smoluchowski at 612 331-7563 or visit http://www.mspfilmsociety.org/.