We are thrilled to announce the return of the Midwest Film Festival for its 20th season in 2025
Welcome to The Midwest Film Festival, the nation's premier year-round film festival dedicated exclusively to Midwestern filmmakers. We are committed to showcasing diverse voices, providing valuable resources, and fostering an inclusive community that cultivates genuine relationships. Our mission is to celebrate and support the exceptional talent of regionally produced cinema while contributing to the growth and vitality of the local film industry.
As we strive to go beyond the screen, we are thrilled to offer quarterly workforce development workshops and a brand-new podcast called Reel Wisdom. Unleash your potential and gain valuable insights as we dive into the world of filmmaking.
With expanded membership benefits, this year's festival is bigger and better than ever. Join us today and become an integral part of our vibrant community. Let's celebrate the art of cinema together!
Our Programming:
At The Midwest Film Festival, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of content, including but not limited to feature films, short films, music videos, and spec work. Our short-form content screenings are uniquely themed, providing a curated experience for our audience and filmmakers alike. We are transitioning from year-round submissions to a focused submission period from November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. Submit your work now via FilmFreeway.
At The Midwest Film Festival, we provide:
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A platform for Midwest filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience
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Networking opportunities with industry professionals and fellow filmmaker
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Engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers after screenings
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Educational workshops and panels on various aspects of filmmaking
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Annual awards recognizing outstanding achievements in Midwest cinema
Our Community
The Midwest Film Festival is more than just a series of screenings – it's a vibrant community. We bring together filmmakers, film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious audiences to celebrate the art of cinema and foster meaningful connections that extend beyond the screen.
Join Us
Whether you're a filmmaker looking to submit your work, an industry professional interested in discovering new talent, or a film enthusiast eager to experience unique stories, we invite you to be part of The Midwest Film Festival. Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of Midwest cinema and the creative spirits behind it.
2025 Season Calendar:
Our first screening event will be held in May 2025, with updated screening dates monthly throughout the season.
Shorts program theme highlights of 2025:
Invisible Ties: Celebrating the Profound Bonds That Shape Us
Step into a night of storytelling that highlights the deep, often unseen connections that transcend distance and time. Invisible Ties brings together films that celebrate the power of unspoken bonds, showcasing the intricate relationships that shape our lives in ways we may not always realize.
Reimagined Midwest: A New Lens on the Heartland
Explore the evolving identity of the Midwest through experimental film. These unconventional narratives and striking visuals breathe new life into familiar landscapes. Join us for an evening of cinematic reinvention as we uncover our rich tapestry of culture and community—discovering what the heartland was, is, and could be, one experimental story at a time.
Adcomm Night: Showcasing the Brilliance of the Advertising Industry
Midwest Film Festival's 10th annual Advertising Community Night!
Witness the magic of The Midwest's vibrant advertising scene and connect with both newly discovered talent and top executives. This showcase features heartwarming storytelling, mind-blowing special effects, and captivating commercial masterpieces. To qualify, you must be a working professional in the advertising industry. Submit your best work, whether it's a passion project, a commercial, or something in between. Just ensure you have obtained all the necessary permissions and consents.
Global Kaleidoscope Night: Exploring Cultural Diversity Through Film
Embark on a cinematic journey around the world with Global Kaleidoscope. This event celebrates the richness of diverse cultures and explores different cultural roots through a thoughtfully curated selection of films. Immerse yourself in captivating stories from various corners of the globe and gain a deeper appreciation for the tapestry of humanity's cultural heritage.
Emerging Filmmakers Night: 10 Films from the Rising Stars of Midwest Filmmaking
We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Midwest filmmakers. Emerging Filmmakers Night showcases ten films from talented creators in the first decade of their careers. Whether they are film school students or individuals pursuing their lifelong passion for filmmaking, these emerging filmmakers have arrived and become an integral part of our community. This is their work.