Milwaukee Film Offers Sneak Peek at Festival Programming

MILWAUKEE – Monday, February 26th – Milwaukee Film’s programmers are eager to reveal a first set of selections. Representing the depth and breadth of the festival in a sliver of the lineup which is expected to feature over 300 films, the ten films revealed today offer something for everyone and will whet appetites for more to be revealed at the end of March. “Our sweet sixteen festival is shaping up to be as strong as ever,” noted Cara Ogburn, Artistic Director. “Although we are still finalizing a number of films, we can say with confidence that the creativity and resilience of filmmakers and artists has not been slowed by the pandemic nor the dual strikes of 2023. Indeed, we have more films that we would like to bring to Milwaukee than we have room for!” she concluded emphatically.

MFF24: First Films Announced:
Showtimes will be available starting March 27 along with the full lineup of films.

Anselm
Wim Wenders | 2023 | Germany
In Anselm, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K-resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist’s work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology, and religion.

Bye Bye Tiberias
Lina Soualem | 2023 | France, Palestine, Belgium, Qatar
Years after leaving her Palestinian village to pursue an acting career in France, Emmy-nominated Hiam Abbass (Succession, Ramy, Blade Runner) returns home with her daughter, in this intimate documentary about four generations of women and their shared legacy of separation.

Cinebuds LIVE!: Footloose
Herbert Ross | 1984 | USA
For the now annual tradition of Cinebuds LIVE!, the buds chose this classic celebrating its 40th anniversary. Footloose jumps with spirit, dazzling dance numbers and an electrifying musical score. It portrays the timeless struggle between innocent pleasure and rigid morality, when city-boy Ren McCormick (Kevin Bacon) finds himself in an uptight Midwestern town where dancing has been banned.

Four Daughters
Kaouther Ben Hania | 2023 | France, Tunisia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus
A riveting exploration of rebellion, memory, and sisterhood, Four Daughters reconstructs the story of Olfa Hamrouni and her four daughters, unpacking a complex family history through intimate interviews and performance to examine how the Tunisian woman’s two eldest daughters were radicalized. Academy Award nominee - Documentary Feature.

Green Border
Agnieszka Holland | 2023 | Poland, France, Czech Republic, Belgium
In the treacherous and swampy forests that make up the so-called “green border” between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa trying to reach the European Union are trapped in a geopolitical crisis cynically engineered by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

Let The Canary Sing
Alison Ellwood | 2023 | USA, UK
Chronicling Cyndi Lauper’s meteoric ascent to stardom and her profound impact on generations through her music, ever-evolving punk style, unwavering feminism, and tireless advocacy. The film takes the audience on an engaging exploration of the world of a renowned and pioneering artist, who has left a remarkable legacy with her artwork.

Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros
Frederick Wiseman | 2023 | USA
The Troisgros family restaurant has held 3 Michelin stars for 55 years over four generations. An immersive experience, showing artistry, ingenuity, and imagination of the staff, creating and presenting meals of highest quality as Michel Troisgros turns over responsibility to his son, César.

Mountains
Monica Sorelle | 2023 | USA
A Haitian demolition worker is faced with the realities of redevelopment as he is tasked with dismantling his rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.

Riddle of Fire
Weston Razooli | 2023 | USA
Three rascal children run afoul of an enigmatic coven in Weston Razooli’s whimsical neo-fairytale, which evokes a menagerie of esoteric genres and dreamy cult-film vibes. Our screenings will feature a 35mm print!

Robot Dreams
Pablo Berger | 2023 | Spain, France
Dog lives in Manhattan and he's tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 1980s NYC. One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again? Academy Award nominee - Animated Feature.

Rosa and the Stone Troll
Karla Nor Holmbäck | 2023 | Denmark
A flower fairy who lives alone in a rosebush becomes friends with an adventurous butterfly. The butterfly is kidnapped by an evil stone troll, the fairy set out on a dangerous journey to save her friend. Ages 5+

Unsyncable
Megan Wennberg | 2023 | Canada
Dive in with senior athletes in their sixties and beyond, making a splash as they hold back the hands of time and celebrate the beauty, strength and joy they have found in artistic (synchronized) swimming.
 

---