Spotlight Presentations Program – MFF26
If you can only make one screening, we are sorry for you and strongly suggest choosing one from this list. These crowd-pleasing Premium presentations are perfect for first-time festival-goers and seasoned screen junkies alike.
Presented by: Donna and Donald Baumgartner
Sponsored by: Radio Milwaukee: 88Nine
The Films
Ueck
Documentary
Local
Guests in Attendance
Milwaukee legend, Bob Uecker, the former Major League baseball player, Hall of Fame sportscaster, comedian, and actor has seen it…
Milwaukee legend, Bob Uecker, the former Major League baseball player, Hall of Fame sportscaster, comedian, and actor has seen it all and made us laugh along the way. Though UECK passed away in January 2025, this documentary from Milwaukee-based filmmakers Michael T. Vollmann and Steve Farr persists as a testament to his legacy, giving audiences intimate access to his life, work, family, and friends, amplifying his humor and heart for future generations.
Severin Presents: A Bay of Blood
Horror
Cult
A wealthy countess is murdered for her bayfront real estate, leading to the systematic slaughter of ruthless developers, greedy heirs,…
A wealthy countess is murdered for her bayfront real estate, leading to the systematic slaughter of ruthless developers, greedy heirs, and bad neighbors. After he established the giallo genre with BLOOD AND BLACK LACE, Mario Bava once again forever altered the horror landscape with A BAY OF BLOOD, bursting onto the scene as the first slasher film. Arrive early for the Severin Films blu-ray booth and get a free, branded barf bag for the screening (while supplies last).
The General feat. Anvil Orchestra
Comedy
Live Music
A beloved MFF tradition, Anvil Orchestra returns to the Oriental Theatre to celebrate the 100th birthday of Buster Keaton's THE…
A beloved MFF tradition, Anvil Orchestra returns to the Oriental Theatre to celebrate the 100th birthday of Buster Keaton's THE GENERAL with live orchestra accompaniment. One of the most revered comedies of the silent era, this one-night-only musical screening is not to be missed.Community Partners: David Barnett Gallery, Present Music
The Big Cheese
Documentary
In the high-pressure world of international cheesemongering, Adam Moskowitz aims to send the first American to claim the top prize…
In the high-pressure world of international cheesemongering, Adam Moskowitz aims to send the first American to claim the top prize at the Mondial du Fromage competition in France. While the European model for this “sommelier of cheese” profession eclipses its stateside counterpart in societal support, Moskowitz—and his alter-ego, Mr. Moo—believe scrappy American ingenuity can take the wheel. Sara Joe Wolansky’s supremely witty and entertaining directorial debut is an instant artisanal classic.Community Partner: Adam Himebauch’s Milwaukee Gold Rush
Cinebuds LIVE: Labyrinth
Fantasy
Family
Cult
Guests in Attendance
Milwaukee Film and Radio Milwaukee are bringing the Cinebuds BACK to celebrate the 40th anniversary of fantasy classic LABYRINTH! Check…
Milwaukee Film and Radio Milwaukee are bringing the Cinebuds BACK to celebrate the 40th anniversary of fantasy classic LABYRINTH! Check out the beautiful 4K restoration and then enjoy a post-sceening recording of everyone's favorite movie podcast. Whether you are coming to bask in the nostalgia from your youth or are bringing the children in your life to experience the magic themselves, this is a screening that is not to be missed.Community Partner: Creme de Liqueur
Stop Making Sense
Documentary
Closed Captions Available
Closed Audio Description Available
One of our most sacred MFF traditions returns! Make sure all aisles are clear for dancing as Jonathan Demme's essential…
One of our most sacred MFF traditions returns! Make sure all aisles are clear for dancing as Jonathan Demme's essential concert documentary chronicling multiple nights of propulsive performance from the iconic Talking Heads (including magnetic frontman David Byrne and Milwaukee's own Jerry Harrison) is sure to burn down the house once again. A24's new restoration of this iconic film gains momentum like a runaway freight train, the show (and Byrne's iconic suit) only gets bigger as it rolls along.
Power Ballad
Comedy
Drama
Closed Captions Available
Closed Audio Description Available
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two…
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. From writer-director John Carney (SING STREET, ONCE), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.Lionsgate presents, in association with 30WEST + Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, a Likely Story / Distressed Films production, in association with Treasure Entertainment.Community Partner: Boho Luxe Boutique
Proudly Supported by Associated Bank
Associated Bank is the official bank of Milwaukee Film. Learn more here