Get your popcorn ready because the Milwaukee Film Fest just dropped its full 2025 lineup. Running April 24 through May 8, MFF25 returns with yet another selection of genre-spanning films from promising up-and-coming local and well-known national and international filmmakers alike, creating a cinematic celebration of film that draws movie lovers from across the region to Milwaukee. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of the movie magic at this year's Milwaukee Film Festival.
2025 Lineup Highlights
This year's lineup includes everything from up-and-coming local filmmakers to internationally recognized masters of the craft. Here are a few of the highlights to check out at this year's film fest:
- "Sally" (Cristina Costantini, 2025, United States)
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"Desperately Seeking Susan" (Susan Seidelman, 1985, United States)
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"Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror" with live accompaniment by Anvil Orchestra (F.W. Murnau, 1922, Germany)
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"The Librarians" (Kim A Snyder, 2025, United States)
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"Jane Austen Wrecked My Life" (Laura Piani, 2024, France)
Alongside the highly anticipated film screening lineup, the two-week festival released a schedule of events today that brings the movie magic to fans across the land, including panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As. Check out the online program to find a Q&A today!
Theaters
Oriental Theatre
The hallowed halls of the Oriental Theatre will be the hub of MFF25. Incredible craftsmanship has built the theatre into one of Milwaukee’s most storied movie houses (Bonus points if you can count how many elephants are hidden throughout the ornate space).
Downer Theatre
A longtime staple of the East Side, the 110-year-old Downer Theatre is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. The theatre takes moviegoers on a journey through the past with its classic marquee and intimate auditoriums, inviting them to experience the unparalleled thrill of film.
Tickets
Membership
The best way to catch all the cinematic moments, suspenseful reveals and sidesplitting comedy is with a Milwaukee Film membership. Milwaukee Film Members get the first crack at film festival tickets, priority entry to screenings and members-only screenings throughout the year, 15% off Milwaukee Film Fest merchandise and tons of other perks. Be the first to snag your seats while supporting a non-profit organization that’s bringing the magic of the movies to life right here in Milwaukee.
Single-Show Tickets
Single tickets to the Milwaukee Film Fest go on sale beginning April 16! Reserve your red carpet experience for an evening of critically acclaimed masterpieces, gripping documentaries, fast-cutting shorts and all the future award-winners before they make it big. Single tickets are the best way to dip your toe into the Milwaukee Film Fest cinematic universe, turning you from a movie lover to a bona fide film fest fan.
Can't contain your excitement? In the meantime, you can start mapping out your fantasy film fest by purchasing a 6- or 10-pack. Or go all in and catch all your favorite flicks with an all-access pass to the fest.
Make it a Dinner and a Show
A classic pairing akin to peanut butter and jelly, cookies and cream, bacon and eggs, dinner and a show is a must. Find the best bite to pair with your show during the Milwaukee Film Fest. Whether it's a quick bite at a diner before a short or a prix fix meal before a documentary, your dream movie night is just a few clicks away.
Merch
Rep the fest and wear your passion for cinema on your sleeve, all while supporting a good cause with Milwaukee Film's official Film Fest merch! The 2025 Milwaukee Film Fest limited-edition merch line features bold, bright looks for the whole family. Shop the collection and freshen up your wardrobe while supporting your favorite local independent film organization.
Fest by Day and Stay Your Way
With 15 days to fest, there's no better way to catch all the drama than planning a fun Film Fest getaway in Milwaukee. Plan your stay, check out all the films on your list and explore the City of Festivals for a jam-packed getaway worthy of a sequel.
