The Milwaukee Film Festival is a public film festival held each spring, typically from late April through early May, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The festival is organized by Milwaukee Film, a cultural arts organization that operates Milwaukee's historic movie palace, The Oriental Theatre, and facilitates year-long programming and initiatives using film to inspire community, artistry, education, and joy.
In 2015, 304 filmsChris Foran. "Milwaukee Film Festival sets 2016 dates, reports $600,000 pledge". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 2, 2016. from more than 50 countries were screened at five Milwaukee County venues, with nearly 71,000 attendees.Chris Foran. "2015 Milwaukee Film Festival posts 10% boost in attendance". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 13, 2015.
Founded in 2009, after the Milwaukee International Film Festival was discontinued,"Milwaukee Film secures grants for 2009 festival". Bayview Compass, July 16, 2009. the Milwaukee Film Festival is the fifth largest film festival in the United States in terms of attendance, the number of films screened and festival length. In 2019, the festival had record-high attendance with 87,618 people in attendance.
Susan Kerns is executive director of Milwaukee Film.
Theaters Oriental Theatre - East Side, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Downer Theatre - East Side, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Past Venues Avalon Atmospheric Theater & Lounge - Bay View, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Fox Bay Cinema Grill - Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Jan Serr Studio Cinema - East Side, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Times Cinema - Washington Heights, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
See also List of film festivals Film industry in Wisconsin Wisconsin Film Festival
References