The Milwaukee Film Fest is Back for 2025

Civic Media and WAUK are proud to present the 2025 Milwaukee Film Fest from April 24th to May 8th! For cinephiles and casual movie-goers alike, the Milwaukee film fest has a little something for everyone. Catch local and international films, comedies, documentaries and everything in between for 15 days in the heart of Milwaukee.

The films will be screened at the beautiful Oriental and Downer Theatres with events like panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As nearby. Expect to fill up your calendar with 96 feature-length films, 112 short films and 13 shorts programs.

Films we’re excited to see:

The Librarians (2025) dir. Kim A Snyder – This documentary takes on the wave of book bans happening across the country and the risk it poses on our democracy. We take a look on the librarians who are pushing against these bans and fighting for our futures.

Sally (2025) dir. Cristina Constantini – The opening night film directed by a Milwaukee native, Sally is a romance/drama about the first American woman to go to space and the sacrifice it takes to break boundaries.

The Marching Band (2024) dir. Emmanuel Courcol – An internationally-renowned conductor, Thibaut, learns he is adopted and has a younger brother. The contrast between Thibaut’s glamorous life and Jimmy’s humble days serving cafeteria food is stark, but their shared love for music lessens the gap.

Waves (2024) dir. Jiří Mádl – Czechoslovak Radio editor, Milan Weiner and Tomáš, a man forced to work undercover for the State Security, broadcast uncensored news in the tumultuous 1968 Czech Republic. This foreign spy thriller was on the shortlist for Best International Feature Film for the 97th Academy Awards.

…and plenty more! Check out the full program and grab your tickets here.