Programs & Series
FILM SOCIETY OF MINNEAPOLIS ST. PAUL
The mission of the Film Society is to foster a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of the art of film and its power to inform and transform individuals and communities.
FILM FESTIVALS, SPECIAL FILM PROGRAMS & SERIES
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF)
Annual
The Film Society is proud to produce and present the annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival or MSPIFF, one of the largest and longest-running international film festivals in the country. This international community event is a catalyst for artistic discovery and an essential Springtime exhibition of 250 carefully-curated, not otherwise available to regional audiences, new feature length and short films by celebrated seasoned and emerging directors from around the globe. MSPIFF hosts 100+ visiting filmmakers each year, and includes tributes, dialogues, panels, workshops and parties designed to inform, educate and bring people together through film. MSPIFF takes place over 17 days at venues across the Twin Cities and in Rochester, drawing audiences of 50,000+ and growing each year.
Cine Latino
Cine Latino, the region’s only showcase of Ibero and Latin American cinema, features a rich tapestry of narrative and documentary films from across the globe from some of the world’s most acclaimed and up-and-coming Spanish- and Portuguese-language filmmakers. Cine Latino is enriched by the presence of visiting filmmakers and community events, featuring Ibero and Latin food and music. The Film Society developed Cine Latino in response to demand from the growing Spanish-speaking populations in Minnesota, and curates the annual series of films from countries with rich filmmaking histories and cutting-edge film industries in collaboration with Argentinian guest artistic director Hebe Tabachnik.
Lumières Françaises
Annual
Lumières Françaises is a modern French cinema series curated by the Film Society and showcasing francophone narratives and documentaries from around the world. The series, developed to showcase the ongoing importance of French-language cinema and the deep French roots in Minnesota, is scheduled each year around Bastille Day.
WEEKLY PROGRAMMING
New Releases
Daily
Extraordinary foreign films, must-see American indies, and groundbreaking documentaries – the Film Society curates and exhibits the best new films from around the world year-round at the St. Anthony Main Theatre.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING
NextWave
Ongoing
Nextwave is a youth engagement and education initiative, launched by the Film Society in 2017. As a celebration of the up-and-coming generation of cinematic story-tellers, Nextwave includes a media literacy program introducing young people to the very best in international cinema, as well as opportunities for young filmmakers to present their own work to film-savvy audiences 50,000+, and to jury the work of their peers, in a film competition for youth at the annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF).
Stage On Screen
Ongoing
Stage on Screen presents the world’s finest stage performances from London’s National Theatre – NTL, the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stage Russia and more, shown on-screen at the St. Anthony Main Theatre.
First Thursday Films @ the Capri
Ongoing
The Film Society curates and presents a special monthly series of films at, and in collaboration with, the Capri Theater (2027 West Broadway) in North Minneapolis. The series, which takes place on the first Thursday of every month, includes speakers of note leading thought-provoking post-film discussions with audiences. Our motto for First Thursday Films @ The Capri is ‘come for the movie, stay for the conversation’.
Cine Global
Ongoing
Highlighting the intriguing parallels between people and cultures in Minnesota and around the world, and reflecting the growing diversity in Minnesota, films included in the monthly Cine Global program reflect the stories and experiences of our interconnected community. Cine Global has an annual theme, ranging from ‘art’ to ‘science’ to the ‘environment’, and benefits from the counsel and recommendations of an Advisory Group of 45+ Minnesota-based members representing 25 countries.
Great Art on Screen
Ongoing
A series of documentaries exclusively for U.S. cinemas, featuring in-depth looks at the most extraordinary and groundbreaking art masters of their time.
Movies in the Park
Summer
Each summer, the Film Society programs and presents a series of free outdoor movies, Movies in the Park, at parks and venues throughout the Twin Cities.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FILM SERIES
Ongoing
Designed with corporate inclusion and diversity initiatives in mind, the Diversity and Inclusion Film Series is a program of film screenings and facilitated post-screening discussions highlighting a thought-provoking range of cultural perspectives and topics and designed to spark conversation. The program is developed, curated and presented by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, the foremost regional exhibitor of international independent film, for use in the corporate sector as a tool for better understanding. For more information on this program, please contact us by email at info@mspfilm.org, or call 612-331-7563.
Partnerships
Ongoing
Our Partnership events bring audiences an array of special screenings and related events presented in collaboration with numerous arts organizations, social and human services agencies, international groups, businesses, educational institutions, interest groups and individuals.
Community Screen
Ongoing
Community Screen is an ongoing program of films selected and crowd sourced by YOU, our filmgoing neighbors. The Film Society has partnered with companies like Tugg and Gathr Films to present on-demand theatrical experiences.
Dark Out
Occasional
A late night series of mind blowing contemporary and cult classic movies, programmed by the Film Society, that remind you why sometimes it’s good to be afraid of the dark. Students receive a free one-year membership to the Film Society with their first-time purchase of a ticket to any Dark Out screening.
New Cinema Now
Annual
New Cinema Now is an annual benefit supporting the Film Society and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. The event includes a special advance screening of a new and not-to-be-missed film and a celebration of the Film Society’s efforts to bring the best in international independent cinema to our doorstep!
Cine Salon
Occasional
Cine Salon is an occasional series of special screenings of some of the most significant films of our time followed by an intimate reception with special guest speakers.
See 18 Screening Room at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport
Ongoing
The Film Society curates a program of award-winning MN-made short films presented round-the-clock at the See 18 Film Screening Room on Concourse C at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. See 18 is the first state-of-the-art cinema space in a major US airport. This program is developed in collaboration with the Airport Foundation MSP. To submit a film for consideration click here.
MSP Iranian Film Festival
Annual
The Iranian Culture House and the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul present the first MSP Iranian Film Festival, featuring the best contemporary Iranian cinema never before been seen in Minnesota.
Polish Film Fest
Occasional
Polanski to Zanussi, Wajda to Szumowska, each August the Twin Cities Polish Film Fest celebrates the works of new and veteran Polish filmmakers and runs concurrently with the annual Twin Cities Polish Festival.
Czech That Film
Annual
Presented in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles, Czech That Film is a series showcasing the best of Czech cinema. The series is committed to exhibiting films that not only expose participants to Czech culture, but also enlighten audiences, bring people together, and present inspired entertainment for all.
Hosted Partner Events
Ongoing
The Film Society is proud to host and partner with a growing list of institutions and organizations. Hosted Events include the following film series and festivals:
