MILWAUKEE, WI - Tuesday, April 11th, 2023: The 15th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by Associated Bank, the official Bank of Milwaukee Film, proudly announces the full lineup of films showing at the 2023 Festival.
Showcasing the very best in cinema at the magnificently restored Oriental Theatre, as well as at the Times Cinema and Avalon Theater, the Festival runs from April 20-May 4 and will screen 283 films from 51 countries. The entire Festival lineup is comprised of 135 feature films — including 62 documentary films and 73 fiction films — and 148 short films. Over 53% of features and 55% of short films are directed by women or nonbinary filmmakers.
Highlights of the program include new work from celebrated documentarian Ondi Timoner, scheduled to be in attendance with three of her films, acclaimed documentaries fresh from Sundance and SXSW, and fiction films spanning the globe, from Kenya to Colombia to Australasia and all points in between. Titles include King Coal, The Tuba Thieves, Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes.
“As ever, our lineup remains true to the goals of depth and breadth of stories and filmmakers for audiences in our community,” explained Milwaukee Film’s artistic director, Cara Ogburn. “As one of the largest regional festivals in the country we are excited to bring these films to our engaged and inquisitive audiences and bring in filmmakers to meet you all too!” she concluded.
All films will screen at least once in-cinema and 41% of the lineup will be available virtually for all-access pass holders from May 1-7.
Opening Night on Thursday, April 20th at the historic Oriental Theatre will set the stage for 2 weeks of world-class cinematic experiences, featuring the red-carpet, world premiere of the Wisconsin-set documentary, “Mom & Dad’s Nipple Factory.” Following the screening is the Opening Night Party, a highlight amongst Festival-goers and the Milwaukee community. “We can't wait for the big Opening Night Party, a Milwaukee Film Festival tradition that is returning this year at the Pritzlaff Building with live music, lots of food and drink, and an awesome atmosphere to celebrate MFF23!” CEO Jonathan Jackson emphasized.
With support from Associated Bank, Milwaukee Film is proud to celebrate filmmaking at its finest — in all genres, for all ages, from around the corner and the world. “Associated Bank has been an amazing supporter of our organization for many years, and we’re thrilled to ring in the spring with them at the 2023 Milwaukee Film Festival.” Remarks Milwaukee Film CEO Jonathan Jackson. “Associated Bank cares deeply about our community, and we’re proud to partner with our hometown bank again to bring the best in international, national, and local cinema to our audiences.”
“Associated Bank continues to be a proud presenting sponsor of the Milwaukee Film Festival,” said Marilka Vélez, Associated Bank Senior Vice President & Senior Director of Marketing and Milwaukee Film board member. “Associated supports the film industry, filmmakers, and local businesses throughout the Midwest because we understand the importance of art and how it makes a positive difference in our community. For enthusiastic filmgoers, Associated offers an exclusive debit card that supports the mission of Milwaukee Film through unique benefits, notably, a donation back to Milwaukee Film with each purchase on the card.”
The full program line-up is now available digitally and as a downloadable PDF and will be available in print on April 14th at the Oriental Theatre and multiple locations citywide.
TICKET INFORMATION
The online Box Office opens on mkefilm.org on April 10th for Milwaukee Film Members and on April 12 for the General Public. In-person box offices open April 14-19 from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM daily at the Oriental Theatre and on April 20-May 4 the Box Office opens one hour before the first screening and closes 20 minutes after the last screening starts.
Box Offices at the Festival’s participating cinemas, The Avalon Theater, and Times Cinema will be open from April 21 - May 4th.
ALL-ACCESS PASSES
An All-Access Festival Pass provides access to every public Film Festival screening, including the Opening Night film and party and films on Standby. It also includes full access to all virtual screenings. If you have an All-Access Festival Pass please arrive at the theater at least 30 minutes before showtime. You’ll get to enter the theater without waiting in the ticket-holder line!
$625 General Public
$525 Milwaukee Film Members
OPENING NIGHT FILM
Includes admission to Opening Night Party
$20 General Public
$18 Seniors (60+), Students/Educators and Military Members (with ID)
$17 Milwaukee Film Member
OPENING NIGHT PARTY
$15 General Public
$12 Milwaukee Film Member
PREMIUM SCREENINGS
$20 General Public
$18 Seniors (60+), Students/Educators and Military Members (with ID)
$17 Milwaukee Film Member
REGULAR SCREENINGS
$15 Adults
$14 Seniors (60+), Students/Educators and Military Members (with ID)
$13 Milwaukee Film Member $8 Children (12 and under)
PRESS RESOURCES
- Download the 2023 Milwaukee Film Festival Program Guide PDF here.
- Super Secret Press Page: Find the latest MFF2023 press releases, including embargoed upcoming news, grab film stills, film screeners, a text list of our program line-up, and more at mkefilm.org/super-secret-page
- Filmmaker and Guest Interviews: Milwaukee Film is pleased to welcome over fifty industry professionals to the Festival this year, many of whom are excited at the opportunity to speak with the media about their films and work. A complete list of scheduled industry guests will be included in a press release coming soon (stay tuned!). To request an interview, please email press@mkefilm.org.
- Festival Updates: All accredited members of the media will receive daily Festival updates that highlight major events or changes, including exclusive opportunities to participate in red-carpet events.
- Digital Toolkit: Access web, social, video, photography, sample messaging, and more here to aid you in engaging your audience around the 2023 Festival!
Posted by: Bre Graziano