The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.
MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!
Festival Schedule
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Pitch Competition
Zeitgeist Teatro
3:00 PM
The MFF Pitch Competition is an annual competition takes place during the Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) March 19-23, 2025 in person at the Zeitgeist Arts Center in Duluth, MN, where emerging filmmakers from across the Midwest have ten minutes to pitch their next film concepts, or works-in-progress, for financial support to a panel of filmmakers and industry professionals. Free to attend, reserve your spot in advance.
MN Media Art School Shorts
Zinema 1
5:15 PM
Films created and supported by MN Media Arts School students.
Performance Shorts
Zinema 2
5:30 PM
Powerful performances and a look into the worlds around them.
The Current Reception for Venus of Mars
Zeitgeist Atrium
6:00 PM
Kick off the excitement of the Minnesota Film Festival with an exclusive pre-screening reception hosted by Minnesota Public Radio, The Current! Included with a ticket to the screening of Venus of Mars.
Venus Of Mars
Zinema 1
7:00 PM
A transgender pioneer and her wife negotiate the frontiers of love and gender in Emily Goldberg’s award-winning 2003 documentary.
Horror Shorts
Zinema 2
7:30 PM
Films curated across the genre to make you laugh and shriek!
Venus de Mars Acoustic Performance
Zeitgeist Teatro
9:30 PM
Venus is bringing her music talent back to her hometown of Duluth in this special performance.
Flaming Thursday Party!
The Flame Nightclub
10:30 PM
Join us for Karaoke and dancing at The Flame (28 N 1st Ave W, Duluth, MN 55802) for a mid-week celebration of the festival! Free to attend!
Date: March 19-23, 2025
