The Milwaukee Film Festival is set to return April 16-30, transforming the city’s East Side into a cinematic hub centered around the historic Oriental and Downer theaters. This year’s festival marks a significant moment for Milwaukee Film, the nonprofit organization that recently acquired the Downer Theatre, Milwaukee’s oldest continuously operating cinema. As Susan Kerns, Milwaukee Film’s executive director, explained at a media preview on March 24, the organization is now entrusted with preserving two vital pieces of the city’s cultural heritage.
The festival will kick off with the world premiere of Ueck, a documentary celebrating the beloved voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Bob Uecke. The film is a project of Milwaukee natives Steve Farr and Michael T. Vollmann. Closing out the festival will be the musical comedy Power Ballad, featuring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. The selection of these two films—one deeply rooted in local passion, the other a mainstream crowd-pleaser—signals a broad appeal for the festival’s diverse programming.
A Diverse Slate of Films and Programming Tracks
This year’s Milwaukee Film Festival boasts an impressive lineup of 106 feature-length films and 138 short films. Notably, nearly half of the selected films are directed by women, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and diverse storytelling. Festival attendees can explore a wide range of cinematic experiences through nearly a dozen curated programming tracks.
Among these tracks are “Art & Artists,” which showcases documentaries exploring the creative process; “Black Lens,” dedicated to African American experiences; “Cine Sin Fronteras,” highlighting Latino perspectives; and “Cinema Hooliganti,” offering a selection of genre films for thrill-seekers. These tracks provide focused avenues for audiences to discover films aligned with their interests.
Reflecting Contemporary Concerns in Documentary Film
The “Documentary Festival Favorites” section will present films recently premiered at prestigious festivals like Sundance and South by Southwest. Artistic Director Cara Ogburn noted that many of these documentaries grapple with pressing contemporary issues. “A lot of the films are concerned with freedom of the press, freedom of speech and constitutional topics,” she said, adding that climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, challenges in education, and the ongoing health crisis in Gaza are also prominent themes.
Supporting Wisconsin Filmmaking and Preserving Cinema History
The festival will also shine a spotlight on local talent with the “Cream City Cinema” program. This track is designed to showcase films made in Milwaukee, celebrating the city’s burgeoning filmmaking community. Wisconsin’s newly appointed Film Office director, Veronica Pope, is expected to attend and discuss the state’s recently reinstated film production incentives, which aim to attract more filmmaking projects to Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Film Office details the fresh incentives on its website.
Ogburn emphasized the importance of supporting local filmmakers, stating, “Milwaukee loves what Milwaukee makes.” This sentiment is particularly relevant as the festival itself becomes a platform for showcasing the city’s creative spirit.
Beyond contemporary filmmaking, the festival will also pay tribute to cinema history. A centennial screening of Buster Keaton’s silent comedy masterpiece, The General, will feature a live score performed by the Anvil Orchestra, enhancing the viewing experience. The festival will also bring back Jonathan Demme’s iconic concert film, Stop Making Sense, featuring the Talking Heads, a perennial favorite among festival-goers.
Ticket Information and Access
Tickets for Milwaukee Film members will be available for purchase online starting April 6. The general public can purchase tickets online beginning April 8. The in-person box office at the Oriental Theatre will open on April 10. More information, including the full festival schedule and ticket purchasing options, can be found at mkefilm.org/mff. The complete program guide is also available online here.
The Milwaukee Film Festival promises a vibrant celebration of cinema, community, and storytelling. As the festival prepares to unfold, the focus shifts to April 30th, the final day of screenings, and the continued efforts of Milwaukee Film to nurture a thriving film culture in the city. Share your excitement for the festival and your favorite film selections using the hashtag #MKEFilmFest.
