It’s Film Festival Time!

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

44th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

MSP Film Society is Minnesota’s foremost film exhibition organization, bringing the best international and independent films to us via the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF). Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director, calls the Film Society "our community’s arthouse," and she’s right. This year’s festival – the 44th annual – has over 200 films, 55 languages represented, early career films and Oscar (and other awards) winning directors, documentaries, comedies, ancillary panels showcasing the best in the cinema industry, and two weeks of parties! Principals from the films will be available at the screenings, too. You may choose program tracks (Artful Visions, Breakthroughs, Dark Out, Documentaries, Films for Families and more) or Themes (BIPOC stories, Cine Latino, Images of Africa, MN Made and more). The festival runs April 2-13, with locations across the Twin Cities. Get tickets here.

We asked MSP Film Society insiders about their favorites in the upcoming festival:

Susan Smoluchowski - Smoluchowski has several top picks but selects Free Leonard Peltier, the Opening Night Film for special consideration. Directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, Smoluchowski highlights the film’s message that reminds us all to be vigilant in the face of injustice. Peltier’s life sentence was commuted by President Joe Biden in the final hours of his presidency, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement, rather than in prison. He has not yet been pardoned. The film will be shown on three screens on opening night, followed by the Opening Night Party at the A-Mill Artist Lofts. MSP Film is partnering with Owamni for the Opening Night Party. All those who attend the film are invited to the party.

Samalia in the Picture

Jesse Bishop, Programming Director – Bishop selects the world premiere of Somalia in the Picture for your attention. Somalia in the Picture traces a century of cinema in Mogadishu, where today gorgeous movie palaces lay in ruin. Director Mark Brecke will attend the showing. Following the screening on April 10, we’ll be able to meet the film makers for tea and treats at Pracna. 

Craig Rice, Senior Programmer – Rice notes that many films touch on local subjects. The People’s Way, focusing on the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, George Floyd Square.  Three community organizers - Jeanelle Austin, Toshira Garraway, and Robin Wonsley - embark on interweaving journeys after George Floyd’s murder to care for their communities, find inner healing, and forge a path towards black liberation. Film makers and film participants will be in attendance. A special Capri Theater screening on April 10 includes a pay what you can option.

Kelly Nathe, Programmer and Publicity Director – Nathe highlights the incredible number of films with Minnesota ties and recommends Brooklyn, Minnesota. Writers/Directors Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen and some cast members will attend the screenings. The movie was filmed in the Twin Cities and around Lake Minnetonka. If you love seeing images of Minnesota on the big screen, this one is for you. 

Kathie Smith, Programmer, recommends DJ Ahmet. How many coming of age Macedonian films have you seen? The preview introduced us to Ahmet, a teenage shepherd from North Macedonia, a young man who loves music and is frustrated by his father’s short-sightedness and community’s limitations. It’s a gorgeous romance that is easy to recommend. The film won a Special Jury Prize and an Audience Award at the 2025 Sundance Festival.

This is just a very brief summary of festival favorites. Please check the Guidebook – pick a ticket package and get ready for the biggest film event of the year.