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
Friday, March 21, 2025
Pitch Competition
Zeitgeist Teatro
1:00 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.
Filmmaker Happy Hour
Blacklist Brewing Co.
3:00 PM
The perfect opportunity to meet local and visiting filmmakers, network, share ideas, and enjoy the company of other festival attendees. Hosted by UMFO. Free to attend, reserve your spot in advance.
Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure
Zinema 1
3:00 PM
Embark on an epic journey with four adventurous spirits as they undertake the ultimate test of endurance and determination. Mississippi Speed Record: An Epic Adventure follows their incredible quest to paddle the entire 2,340 miles of the Mississippi River in a single 23-foot canoe, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest time down the river. They paddle 24/7 for over 2 weeks, eating, sleeping, and even going to the bathroom in the canoe. Supported by a dedicated crew of over 20 people and two trailing support boats, they receive a constant stream of supplies and encouragement, fueling their drive to break the record. Their journey captures the imagination of over a million followers on social media, with cheering fans lining the riverbanks, sharing in every triumph and setback. This exhilarating and inspiring documentary shows it’s not about conquering the river—it's about moving in harmony with its flow. Will the Mississippi River allow them to break the record?
Momentous Shorts
Zinema 2
3:15 PM
Stories that capture the outcome of events that shift the future.
The Fishing Hat Bandit
Zinema 1
5:00 PM
He was known as “the Fishing Hat Bandit” when he robbed 23 banks in Minnesota over 18 months in the early 2000s. Finally caught, imprisoned, and now free, John Whitrock’s story unfolds in utterly surprising ways in director Mark Brown’s riveting documentary.
Lake Superior Writers Presentation: Table Read Done Write!
Zeitgeist Teatro
5:30 PM
Learn how to organize your table read. Get notes on presentational structure. See and hear why table reads are so important for writers!
The Voice Of Greenland
Zinema 2
5:30 PM
Rasmus Lyberth went from being an unpopular speaker of taboos to almost a Nordic cult figure celebrated as Greenland’s greatest singer/songwriter. At 70, he decides to honor his faithful audience with a magnificent concert in Nuuk.
Misericordia
Zinema 1
7:00 PM
A sharp, sinister, yet slyly funny thriller that follows the meandering exploits of Jérémie, an out-of-work baker who has drifted back to his hometown after the death of his beloved former boss.
Our Stories
The Depot - Theater
7:00 PM
Highlighting stories from local artists in our community.
Audrey
Zinema 2
7:30 PM
Self-appointed Mother of the Year, Ronnie has given her daughter Audrey everything, so when Audrey selfishly falls into a coma, Ronnie has no choice but to keep their dreams alive by assuming her identity.
For God's Sake Wake Her Up
Zinema 1
9:15 PM
Haunted by guilt after her mother's death, Rizz and her loyal friend Myles flee the funeral, stumbling upon a deserted house in a rough part of town. Inside, they find April, trapped in a nightmarish cycle of sleep paralysis by a malevolent generational entity. To redeem herself and save April, Rizz must unravel the chilling secrets hidden within April's video diaries. Racing against the relentless demonic entity, Rizz puts everything at risk, including Myles, to break the supernatural cycle.
Queer Gaze Shorts
Zinema 2
9:30 PM
Stories told from and about the 2LGBTQAI+ experience.
The Reel Comedy Special
Zeitgeist Teatro
10:00 PM
Season 3 of the wildly popular variety comedy show returns with sketch comedy, silly videos, improv, and lots of other shenanigans. Debuting at the Minnesota Film Festival, The Reel Comedy Show takes aim at all things cinema. With a mix of sketch comedy, silly films, improv, and lots of shenanigans this show will leave you star-struck.
Date: March 19-23, 2025
Additional Dates:
