BIG BOYS

Jamie is about to experience his first weekend camping trip and his first real crush - on his older cousin's burly boyfriend. Winner of Outfest's Audience Award and anchored by Isaac Krasner's hilarious breakout performance, BIG BOYS sweetly captures the universal feelings of insecurity and the unbearable heartache of seemingly unattainable desires. Writer/director Corey Sherman's impressive feature debut proves his budding career is about to become in tents.

Why this pick?

I mean, it's basically a feature-length episode of PEN15 but gay. If you've ever had an unrequited crush, this is for you. If that crush was on your friend's cousin's beefy boyfriend who you went camping with the summer before high school (wow that is so specific) this is for *you*.

BIG BOYS

LADY LIKE

LADY LIKE invites you into the fabulous world of drag through the captivating lens of Lady Camden. This intimate documentary unravels the layers of Camden's journey, from the glamour of RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE to the challenges on the road. Featuring cameos from queer legends, join us for an unforgettable exploration of the life before and behind the glittering persona.

Why this pick?

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE queen Lady Camden deserves the world. Milwaukee, let's give her the world! She'll be with us (in person!) to celebrate this fantastic documentary about her life - featuring cameos from your other favorite RuGirls.

LADY LIKE

MONSTER

When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher, and child, the truth gradually emerges. Palme d’Or winner and internationally acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-Eda returns with a delicate, powerfully moving story of love, duty, social conflict, and secrets.

Why this pick?

Kore-eda Hirokazu made a new film. This is highkey his very best. Get your tickets immediately.

MONSTER

ROBOT DREAMS

Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot and they become inseparable friends. One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again? "Bolstered by the resilient spirit of New York City, this is one of the loveliest movies that you will see this year, animated or otherwise." (TheWrap)

Why this pick?

My goodness, I cannot talk about this movie without tearing up. ROBOT DREAMS is operating on the same frequency of MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (my favorite film we've ever shown at the festival). Bring your best friend or invite an old friend, the two of you will be weeping but also so happy you saw it together.

ROBOT DREAMS

SLOW

Elena and Dovydas have an immediate, kinetic connection. As they gravitate toward each other, their bond deepens from platonic to romantic. When Dovydas discloses his asexuality, the couple commit themselves to honoring their individual needs in tandem. As they continue to weave more tightly together, they are forced to discover the edges of their generosity toward the other. Winner of the Sundance Film Festival's World Cinema Directing Award, SLOW is stirring and moving at every turn.

Why this pick?

Representing the A in LGBTQIA+, SLOW absolutley ripped my heart out at Sundance.

SLOW

SHORTS: DATE NIGHT

Fall head over reels for our annual collection of shorts all about love. Laugh, cringe, and cry along with us as we watch clumsy first dates, heartracing meetcutes, and one hell of a heartbreak - underwater! Grab your partner, bestie, or situationship killer mermaid and settle in for all the feels.

Why this pick?

I'm the GenreQueer and Shorts Programmer, of course I found an excuse to show Chappell Roan's "Casual" on the big screen (and seven other excellent shorts about love).

SHORTS: DATE NIGHT

GENREQUEER SHORTS

Celebrate love, community, and authentic storytelling - in 15 minutes or less! From poignant dramas to topical comedies, GENREQUEER SHORTS explores the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences. Join us for a powerful cinematic journey that challenges norms and illuminates the vibrant spectrum of love and identity.

Why this pick?

I'm the GenreQueer and Shorts Programmer, of course I'm going to spotlight our GenreQueer Shorts program!

GENREQUEER SHORTS

SHORTS: SPORTS SHORTS. SHORTS ABOUT SPORTS.

After nearly a decade on the bench, SPORTS SHORTS, SHORTS ABOUT SPORTS rallies back to the Milwaukee Film Festival field. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or just love a good underdog story, you'll want to lace up your cinematic sneakers for these heartwarming short films. Missing this program would be a personal foul.

Why this pick?

Athletics? Not my thing. Stories about people defeating the odds and accomplishing their dreams told in 15 minutes or less? Absolutley.

SHORTS: SPORTS SHORTS. SHORTS ABOUT SPORTS.

SHORTS: SURPRISE, SURPRISE

Always an audience favorite, SURPRISE, SURPRISE brings the ohs, the ahs, the gasps, and most importantly, the laughs! Watch as a compulsive liar's tall tales come to life leading to a- WAIT!! The less we say about the thrills and twists in store, the better. Just don't be ~surprised~ if this program goes to standby...

Why this pick?

Every year my fiancé tries to guess "the twists" just by reading the titles and every year the reveals are even wilder than he imagined. Play along and prepared youself for seven surprising, hilarious, and flat out brilliantly made short films.

SHORTS: SURPRISE, SURPRISE

SHORTS: MIDNIGHT

Ready for a macabre mashup that’s more twisted than your ex’s motives? This midnight medley features a spectacle of sinister shorts designed for the delightfully deranged. Forget sweet dreams—these tales of dark humor and gleeful gore are guaranteed to haunt your nightlong binges. It’s a rollercoaster of riotous revelry and carnage, so buckle up, sickos, for a night of cinematic sin.

Why this pick?

Remember the thrill of seeing your first rated R movie? That giddy feeling of seeing something you aren't supposed to be seeing? That haunting chill of knowing this is going to give you nightmares all summer long? Experience that wonder and dread all over again with this collection of f***ed up little shorts.

SHORTS: MIDNIGHT

Cara Ogburn - Artistic Director

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Kerstin Larson – Programming Director

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Abbie Esterline - Programming Coordinator

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