Screenings and Showtimes
Zeitgeist
Cash For Gold
Cash For Gold (Deborah Puette, Robert Enriquez, USA, 2024, 92min) Filmmakers in attendance! Set against the backdrop of Chisholm, MN, Cash for Gold unravels a gripping narrative of loss, redemption, and the unforgiving pull of past mistakes. Grace, an Army widow clinging to sobriety and struggling to support her young son as Christmas approaches, takes a desperate job at the Queen of Persia Gold Emporium, a pawn shop run by the town’s only Muslim family. The friction is immediate when she meets Hasan, the owner's son, who harbors secrets of his own. As their uneasy relationship evolves, they are drawn into a high-stakes confrontation that will test their limits. Featuring an exceptional cast including Deborah Puette (Revolution), Farshad Farahat (Argo), David Sullivan (Argo), JoBeth Williams (Poltergeist), Jeff Kober (Sons of Anarchy), and Andrew J. West (The Walking Dead), this poignant tale of forgiveness and hope challenges Grace and Hasan to confront their darkest truths. Will this explosive night be their undoing or their chance at a new beginning?
- Cash for Gold
Pieces of Us
Pieces of Us Experience a powerful collection of short films that speak to the heart of human resilience, crafted to resonate with a wide audience. This program brings together a diverse array of stories, each exploring personal and societal challenges that reflect the complexities of everyday life. From moments of quiet introspection to intense struggles, these films delve into the intersections of human experience—capturing fleeting connections and profound impacts. With narratives ranging from eerie suspense to poignant realities, this selection offers something for everyone, appealing to those drawn to tales of creative ambition, social justice, and the universal search for meaning. This program promises to engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
- Blue Hour
- TEN
- Tin Hill No.9
- The Shakespeare Mash-Up
- My Last Song
- Safety State
- Gillyfish
Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted
Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted! (Issac Gale, Ryan Olson, 2024, USA, 97min) Filmmaker in attendance! Plunge into the electrifying world of Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted!—a film that’s as wild and unpredictable as the legendary musicians it showcases. Imagine a creative sanctuary in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, where three iconic Black musicians have turned their home into a nonstop party of sound, laughter, and endless creativity. Swamp Dogg, the cult music rebel with over five decades of mind-blowing artistry, has crafted a "bachelor pad for aging musicians" like no other. Alongside the mad genius of Moogstar and the legendary licks of Guitar Shorty, Swamp Dogg is still shaking up the music world—one wild jam session at a time. This film is a vibrant, high-octane ride through Swamp Dogg’s unstoppable career, blending side-splitting anecdotes, jaw-dropping performances, and a career spanning over 2,000 songs and 26 groundbreaking albums. It’s not just a music documentary; it’s an explosion of creativity where the rules don’t apply, and the fun never stops. Prepare to be blown away by this raucous celebration of friendship, music, and the sheer joy of living life full throttle.
- Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted
Boundary Breakers
Boundary Breakers Dive into a captivating collection of avant-garde cinema that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. From a gripping clash between virtual violence and real-world consequences to a nostalgic tribute contrasting modern tech with a classic device, this program is full of surprises. Enjoy unique, thought-provoking perspectives on digital dreams, personal struggles, and animated critiques of today’s most pressing issues. This eclectic mix promises an engaging and eye-opening cinematic experience you won’t want to miss.
- Games People Play
- That Bolex Thing
- phantoms
- Welcome to the Enclave
- Patient
- The Lost Season
- Go Swiftly Along
- Ashes of Roses
- Hemorrhage
- A Mile and a Half
- If Only You Could See What I've Seen With Your Eyes
Shadows in the Ordinary
Shadows in the Ordinary This collection of short films immerses viewers in a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, revealing the profound impact of personal struggles on our external environment. Each film explores the tension between the familiar and the unsettling, as characters confront their fears, grief, and inner demons. From a chilling family dynamic threatened by dark forces to the surreal manifestations of heartbreak in a new home, and the hauntingly poignant attempts to reclaim lost love through unconventional means, these narratives delve into the eerie and often unsettling ways our emotional landscapes shape and distort the world around us. Through a blend of horror, dark comedy, and poignant drama, this program offers a compelling examination of how deeply personal experiences can become both a source of terror and a catalyst for profound self-discovery.
- The Shed
- FLUSH
- Black Apple
- Pear
Beyond the Lakes
Beyond the Lakes Experience the powerful storytelling of Minnesota filmmakers in this captivating short film program, where each narrative explores the raw, emotional struggles that define our deepest connections. Through tales of grief and redemption, these films delve into the complexities of family bonds, the courage to break free from cycles of pain, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of loss. Set against the evocative landscapes of Minnesota—from the isolation of a lakeside cabin to the fading venues of the Blues scene—these stories resonate with universal themes of resilience and renewal. Don’t miss this chance to journey through these deeply human experiences, all brought to life by the unique voices of Minnesota’s talented filmmakers.
- Cycles
- Reunion
- The Happy Place
- Blues for the Blues
- Life at the Lake
Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois
Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois is a riotous comedy that takes you on a nostalgic joyride! After three decades apart, two childhood friends reunite at their high school reunion and dust off their long-forgotten bucket list. What follows is a wild adventure through Aledo’s most mischievous escapades—think skinny dipping in the town pool, daring make-out sessions, and a hilarious shoplifting spree. But their fun hits a snag with the bumbling sheriff hot on their trail, creating a side-splitting chase full of mishaps and mayhem. This heartwarming and hilarious film celebrates enduring friendships and the chaotic joy of youth, all while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud ride with Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois! Screen with Collage (Marius Conrotto, 2024, Spain, 10 min) A museum worker tries to convince a co-worker that two visitors are flirting, citing six scientifically proven signs of attraction
- Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois
- Collage
Domus de Janas
Domus de Janas Much like the rugged cliffs and dense forests of the North Shore, Sardinia’s landscapes are steeped in mystery and legend. In Domus de Janas, director Myriam Raccah invites you to explore Sardinia’s ancient burial sites—once thought to be the homes of fairies or witches—where past and present intertwine. As the film uncovers stories that connect ancient rituals to the lives of modern Sardinians, you’ll find echoes of the North Shore’s own blend of natural beauty and folklore. This cinematic fresco, shaped by the hands of local residents, offers a poetic journey that resonates with the wild, untamed spirit familiar to anyone who has stood on the shores of Lake Superior. Screens with Patient (Lori Felker, USA, 2024, 20min) Fiction, reality, the private, and the performed overlap on a routine but emotional day at a medical center
- Patient
- Domus de Janas
The Wild Within
The Wild Within This compelling shorts program weaves together a diverse collection of shorts that capture the profound connections between people and the natural world. From the icy wilderness of the Boundary Waters to the swamps of the American South, each film offers a unique perspective on the beauty, challenges, and urgent needs of our environment. This program journeys through personal and collective battles for conservation, celebrates the intricacies of ecosystems, and highlights the intimate, transformative experiences that unfold in the wild. Through these stories, viewers gain insight into the landscapes and lives at the edge of nature’s wonder and fragility.
- Birds of Paradise
- Water Over Nickel
- A Line in the Snow
- The Cicadian Rhythm
- Parallel Botany
- Wild Hogs and Saffron
- American Grail: A Quest for the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
- Azhe-mino-biinikamigitoon: Return our Earth to its pristine condition
Freedom, Wisconsin
Freedom, Wisconsin (Molly Preston, 2023, USA, 73min) Freedom, Wisconsin is a dark comedy that follows Penny, a disillusioned young woman trapped in a cycle of monotonous small-town life. Stuck in a dead-end job, drinking cheap beer, and crashing funerals for kicks, Penny's routine is upended when her bartender introduces her to Ephram, a struggling writer on a Midwest cycling quest for inspiration. With nowhere else to go, Ephram pitches his tent in Penny's front yard, setting off a series of unexpected and uproarious events. As Penny contemplates the end of her funeral-crashing escapades and Ephram seeks his literary muse, their unlikely encounter sparks a chaotic journey that could change both their lives forever. Will Penny’s days of mischief come to a close, or will Ephram's presence ignite a new chapter in her life?,
- Freedom, Wisconsin
A Good Wolf
A Good Wolf Good Wolf dives deep into the rugged wilds on the northeastern edge of Denali National Park, a battleground where human interests clash over the fate of wolves and bears. This isn’t just a documentary about predators—it's about the intense struggle to find balance in one of America's last truly wild places. Wildlife activists, a local hunter, and Denali's own biologists take center stage in this three-year journey through Alaska's untamed frontier. As they navigate the fierce debates over conservation, hunting rights, and the very essence of wilderness, Good Wolf reveals the stark contrasts in how we value our wild spaces and the creatures that inhabit them. Get ready for a powerful exploration of what it means to coexist with the wild.
- A Good Wolf
Vulcanizadora
Vulcanizadora Get ready for a cinematic experience like no other with Joel Potrykus’s VULCANIZADORA. Set in the foreboding Michigan woods, this film follows two friends (Potrykus and Joshua Burge) who dive into a dark and electrifying mission that quickly unravels, leading one to face the harrowing consequences of their actions back home. Potrykus, celebrated for his fearless storytelling, intertwines heavy metal comedy with profound existential drama, exploring the raw space between hope and despair, life and death. The film delves into the poignant contrasts between the two friends—one who feels he has nothing left to live for and the other who discovers he has something to fight for. As actions and consequences collide, VULCANIZADORA delivers a gripping narrative where desperate choices create powerful reverberations. With Potrykus’s signature edgy style and outstanding performances from both him and Burge, this film promises a genre-defying adventure that will challenge and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impression.
- Vulcanizadora
In the Echoes
In the Echoes This program explores the complex terrain of contested histories, where personal journeys intersect with collective memory and unresolved pasts. Through stories that span from intimate family secrets to broader communal legacies, the films examine the tensions between belonging and exclusion, the scars of displacement, and the silent witnesses of history embedded in the land. Whether uncovering forgotten mysteries or grappling with the remnants of colonialism, these narratives invite viewers to reconsider how we connect with our histories and the places we call home.
- Branching Narratives: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of the Tappan Oak
- What goes up
- a fence is a fence but the clouds move freely
- Rectangles
- Used To Be
- We are all neccessary
- Bezuna
Light Needs
Light Needs Get ready to see houseplants like you've never seen them before. Light Needs is an experimental documentary that dives deep into the surprisingly intimate and complex relationships we form with our green companions. This isn't just a film about plants; it's a journey through the homes and workplaces of plant lovers, uncovering the hidden dynamics of how we coexist with these silent yet expressive beings. Captured over several years, the film showcases a variety of spaces where plants and people share their lives. But Light Needs goes beyond mere observation—it's a thought-provoking exploration of what we gain and lose in these unique relationships. By focusing on the social contracts between humans and plants, the film challenges us to reconsider our responsibilities toward all living beings. This film will make you see your own houseplants in a whole new light.
- Follow Your Feel Good: The Art of Sarah Seidelmann
- Light Needs
The Dells
The Dells (Nellie Kluz, 2024, USA, 72 min) Dive into the surreal world of The Dells, where American kitsch meets the clash of dreams and reality. Set in Wisconsin Dells, the so-called “Waterpark Capital of the World,” this film offers a sharp, sometime comedic look at the lives of international student workers on J-1 visas. Hailing from countries like Turkey, Romania, Jamaica, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic, these students land in a town bustling with waterparks and tourist traps, only to find themselves grappling with the gritty reality of low-wage jobs and cultural missteps. As they juggle lifeguarding, housekeeping, and serving, The Dells reveals a uniquely American experience through their eyes: the frustration of unfulfilled promises, the absurdity of their situations, and the rare moments of genuine connection. With its blend of humor and poignant observation, this film captures the bittersweet essence of chasing dreams in the land of opportunities, revealing both the harsh realities and the enduring hope that define that journey.
- The Dells
Ruins & Reveries
Ruins & Reveries This program takes you on a journey through America's evolving landscapes, where the remnants of past dreams and the stark realities of modern life intersect. From an abandoned resort in the Catskills that invites reflection on history, culture, and healing, to a 1968 urban renewal project where concrete utopias clash with grassroots resistance, the films explore the complex dynamics of American identity and architecture. In a small Virginia town, the passage of time is captured through super-8 film, documenting the subtle yet profound changes in a community's built environment. Together, these films offer a poetic and provocative meditation on the American dream—its aspirations, its ruins, and the ways in which it continues to shape our world.
- All-American Ruins: Nevele Grand Hotel
- Brutal Utopias
- Of Time, and the Town
- Eighteen Mill Street
