MSPIFF44 EVENTS & PANELS

Celebrate the IMAGES OF AFRICA program at MSPIFF44 with special performances, Magic Moments Photo Booth, and food by Jojo Ndege.

Supported by:

Kick off a full day of bitchin’ nonfiction at MSPIFF44 with coffee, bevs, and light breakfast bites before our all-star FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION Documentary Panel at 11:30am, followed by a full day of great docs, including FOLKTALES, THE LIBRARIANS, ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO, and CHECKPOINT ZOO.

Community Partner:

Celebrate the Night Before Closing Night with MSPIFF’s Midnight Sun Party, with food, drinks, music, and more! But don’t stay out too late because you’ll want to be back early on Sunday to catch the last day of MSPIFF44 screenings!

Supported by:

MSP Film and the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis invite you to a reception to celebrate Canadian cinema at MSPIFF44 and National Canadian Film Day (CanFilmDay) presented by Reel Canada. Check out the five Canadian short and feature films showing on April 13! Additional support provided by the Quebec Government Office in Chicago.

In the rapidly evolving world of film, television, and theater, Intimacy Coordinators (ICs) have become essential in ensuring the safety, consent, and well-being of performers during intimate scenes. But what exactly does an Intimacy Coordinator do? How does the role of ICs continue to evolve, both in the U.S. and globally? How will mental health and intimacy coordination intersect in the future? Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into the vital work of Intimacy Coordinators and how they are transforming the landscape of motion picture performance in an era that demands more care, awareness, and responsibility.

Moderator: Beth Pacunas, Certified Intimacy Coordinator

Panelists:
Rebecca Johannsen – Films: A Good Person, To Leslie, Palm Trees and Power Lines – TV: Bookie, Florida Man, Pam and Tommy;
Christine McHugh – Films: Love Lies Bleeding – TV: Better Call Saul
Kathy Kadler – TV: Yellowjackets, the Fall of the House of Usher, Under the Bridge
Amanda Edwards – TV: Sorry Baby, Black Diamond

What does it take to elevate your film from festival wins to award season recognition? Join us for a discussion with several of MSPIFF44’s Documentary Filmmakers who have the experience –and inside information– on what goes on behind the scenes of a ‘For Your Consideration’ campaign.

Moderator: Lindsey Seavert, Director/Producer of LOVE THEM FIRST (MSPIFF38), Winner of the 2020 Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Award

Panelists:

Igor Myakotin, Producer & Melody Gilbert, Consulting Producer of QUEENDOM
Awards & Nominations: Academy Awards: Shortlist for Best Feature Documentary; IDA Awards: 3 nominations/1 win for Best Cinematography; CPH:DOX Winner: NEXT:WAVE Award; Cinema Eye Honors: Winner of The Unforgettable Award for subject Jenna Marvin

Rachel Grady, Director/Producer of FOLKTALES
Awards & Nominations: Academy Award Nomination for Best Feature Documentary for JESUS CAMP; IDA Awards: 4 nominations/1 win for Jury Award for Best Documentary for BOYS OF BARAKA; Cinema Eye Honors Winner: Outstanding Achievement in Directing for DETROPIA

Janique Robillard, Producer of THE LIBRARIANS
Awards & Nominations: Academy Award Nomination: Best Short Documentary for DEATH BY NUMBERS; Montclair Film Festival Winner: Best Documentary Short for DEATH BY NUMBERS

Following the Opening Night Presentation of FREE LEONARD PELTIER, make your way to A-Mill for a night of celebration with special guests, drinks, food, music, and more as we kick off the 44th edition of MSPIFF! MSP Film is proud to partner with OWAMNI, the James Beard Award-winning Indigenous restaurant, for MSPIFF44’s Opening Night.

Tickets for Opening Night Film & Party: $30 for Members, $50 for Non-Member (Pay What You Can options available.)
MSPIFF All Access Passes Accepted with reserved ticket.

Sponsored by: The Minnesota Star Tribune

Additional Support: Minnesota Humanities Center

MSPIFF’s newest venue Edina Theatre invites you to celebrate our expanding festival with a reception featuring Raag’s modern Indian cuisine and inventive fare.

Sponsored by: Megan Feeney, Explore Edina, Rotary Club of Edina, and Raag Indian Cuisine

Several films in MSPIFF44’s lineup feature karaoke scenes, including BITTERROOT and OR SOMETHING, and since MSPIFF staff is known to throw their own annual karaoke party, we’re opening the floodgates and inviting everyone to join in the fun!

Celebrate the full slate of MSPIFF44’s MN Made films, the made-in-Minnesota films, and our Minnesota film industry-at-large!

Sponsored by: TPT / Twin Cities PBS and UMFO / Upper Midwest Film Office

Celebrate the powerful voices and creative talents of high school youth in our community following the 12:45pm screening of the YOUTH MEDIA SHOWCASE.

Presented in partnership with: Twin Cities Youth Media Network

SPECIAL GUEST: Frederica Von Stade

Mix and mingle with special guests from the film FLICKA, including Director Brian Staufenbiel, Producer Nicolle Foland, and the film’s subject, classical vocalist Frederica von Stade

Sponsored by: MN Opera

Join us at Pracna for the April installment of MN WIFT/Minnesota Women in Film & Television’s monthly networking events and learn more about MN WIFT’s mission to uplift women in film. Open to all MSPIFF attendees and the MN Film Community, join us to network, reconnect with industry friends, and meet some new ones as we celebrate all the Women Filmmakers in MSPIFF44!

Following the World Premiere of SOMALIA IN THE PICTURE, meet the filmmakers and join us for tea and treats.

Supported by:

MSPIFF joins forces with the Upper Midwest Film Office (UMFO) to present a full day of panels on a wide range of topics to suit everyone from aspiring film crew members to all levels of filmmakers. These panels are free for MSPIFF44 attendees, so dip in between screenings or stay all day. Either way, be sure to join us for the MN Made Happy Hour at the end!

11:30am Welcome Mingle

12:00pm Breaking & Entering – How to Get Started in the Industry
Practical tips from industry pros on landing your first job, building connections, and making your mark in the production world. Learn what it takes to turn your passion into a career.

Moderator: Carrie Bush, UMFO + Many Production Hats
Panelists: Todd Cobery, Raven Johnson, Reyna Rios-Starr, Erin Roberts, Hannah Walker

1:00pm Swiss Army Knife Filmmakers
In today’s indie film world, mastering multiple skills isn’t just valuable–it’s essential! This panel highlights the importance of becoming a Swiss Army Knife filmmaker, capable of working in multiple departments. Gain insights from multi-talented filmmakers on how expanding your skill set can open doors, maximize limited resources, and make you indispensable at every stage of production.

Moderator: Matt Roy, UMFO + Many Production Hats
Panelists: Toussaint Morrison, Matt Olson, Matt Osterman, Molly Worre

2:00pm MN Made Filmmaker Focus
MSPIFF44’s MN Made filmmakers share their insights and experiences on making films in the state, including navigating the regional industry, leveraging resources to bring their stories to life, launching their films on the festival circuit, and securing distribution and broadcast opportunities.

Moderator: Daniel Bergin, Executive Producer at TPT, Twin Cities PBS
Panelists: Leya Hale, Director of BDOTE: A BIRTHING ISLAND; Megan Huber, Producer of THE FUN-RAISER; Patrick Coyle, Director of UNHOLY COMMUNION; Kazua Melissa Vang, Producer of BITTERROOT; Mark Wojahn, Director of THE DANCE IS NOT OVER

3:00pm How to Fest: From First-Timers to Festival Pros
For first-timers–and all independent filmmakers–understanding and demystifying the festival circuit can be daunting. This panel offers insider tips on devising a festival strategy, what gets a programmer’s attention, and essential networking tips to make an indelible impression. Learn from festival programmers, seasoned filmmakers, and film office representatives about why festivals matter, how to make your mark, and getting the most out of your festival run.

Moderator: Shari Marshik, Executive Director of UMFO
Panelists: Panelists: Jim Brunzell, Sound Unseen; Kelly Nathe; MSPIFF; Andrew Peterson, Provincetown Film Fest

Animation was once a craft reserved for a few major studios, with productions often taking years due to their labor-intensive nature. Today, however, the landscape has shifted, opening up opportunities for a diverse range of creators—from small studios to independent artists—to bring their visions to life. Join us for an engaging discussion with local animators who are shaping the vibrant and expanding animation scene right here in Minnesota. MSPIFF44’s Shorts program ANIMATION ROUNDUP follows. Get your tickets early as this one always sells out!

Moderator & Panelists: TBA