by Stephen Milek
When I tell people I am going to the Milwaukee Film Festival one of the first things they ask is "do they show anything good?" Of course they do. With over 300 films playing there is something for everyone; it's all a matter of finding ones you will like. What people might not realize is just because the Milwaukee Film Festival doesn't have the name recognition like Sundance or Toronto it doesn't mean its sub-par festival.
The festival guide makes it easy for you to find movies you might like. They have their Quick Picks based on what kind of movies you like and who you are going with. If you never been to a film fest before this is a great place to start. Last year instead of writing up a list of movie recommendations or what movies I plan on going to see (my tastes aren't for everyone) what I did was highlight things that make the Milwaukee Film Festival special. Not only are there great movies but it’s an excellent opportunity to experience different things. No matter what movies you like there are things at the festival everyone should take advantage of. And this list is only the film related things. There are plenty of other great events surrounding the festival like live music, special gatherings, panels, and parties.
Check out the list below.
The festival guide makes it easy for you to find movies you might like. They have their Quick Picks based on what kind of movies you like and who you are going with. If you never been to a film fest before this is a great place to start. Last year instead of writing up a list of movie recommendations or what movies I plan on going to see (my tastes aren't for everyone) what I did was highlight things that make the Milwaukee Film Festival special. Not only are there great movies but it’s an excellent opportunity to experience different things. No matter what movies you like there are things at the festival everyone should take advantage of. And this list is only the film related things. There are plenty of other great events surrounding the festival like live music, special gatherings, panels, and parties.
Check out the list below.
1. The Milwaukee Shows 1 and 2 – Want to see how great the local talent is here in Milwaukee? Then these are the shows to go to. The shows are a collection of short films from filmmakers in the area. The show was so popular that they had to add a second show. These always sell out and it’s always a good time. Some might see Milwaukee as a small Midwestern city but there is some great talent here. And this year Milwaukee Movie Talk is a community partner with The Milwaukee Show 2.
2. Metropolis– One of the things I love about the film festival is every year they bring a silent movie and have the score performed live. It’s like a concert and movie in one. This year they are bringing back Metropolis with the Alloy Orchestra. This will be the second time that Metropolis has been show at the festival. I was able to catch it the first time it played in 2010 and can tell you it’s an amazing experience. Metropolis is one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time and worth seeing for the history of it.
3. A Short program and Short Program – I used to be skeptical of shorts. I mean how good can they be if they are only 5 – 15 minutes long? Well one year I stumbled upon a shorts program and then I was on the Shorts selection committee for the Milwaukee Film Festival for 3 years. While I haven’t done that the past couple of years I still make an effort to see one of the short programs. With lots of different categories you should be able to find one that you will like. Personally I love going to the documentary shorts (Shorts: Stranger than Fiction) but last year I went to the sports themed program (Shorts: Sports Shorts. Shorts about Sports). If horror is your thing then check out Shorts: The Best Damn F*#@ing Midnight Program Ever. Sh*t. I could go on about how amazing shorts are but just trust me and see at least one of the programs.
4. A movie where the director will be present. - Like I said I don't want to tell you what movie to go to but one of the best things about seeing a movie at a festival is having the directors, cast, or crew present. It gives you the chance to hear the director talk about the movie they made and the audience a chance to ask questions. So if you ever watched a movie and wanted to ask the director, stars, screenwriter, or whoever questions about the movie then this is your opportunity. .
A full list of movies and to purchase tickets online check out the Mkefilm.org.
2. Metropolis– One of the things I love about the film festival is every year they bring a silent movie and have the score performed live. It’s like a concert and movie in one. This year they are bringing back Metropolis with the Alloy Orchestra. This will be the second time that Metropolis has been show at the festival. I was able to catch it the first time it played in 2010 and can tell you it’s an amazing experience. Metropolis is one of the most influential sci-fi films of all time and worth seeing for the history of it.
3. A Short program and Short Program – I used to be skeptical of shorts. I mean how good can they be if they are only 5 – 15 minutes long? Well one year I stumbled upon a shorts program and then I was on the Shorts selection committee for the Milwaukee Film Festival for 3 years. While I haven’t done that the past couple of years I still make an effort to see one of the short programs. With lots of different categories you should be able to find one that you will like. Personally I love going to the documentary shorts (Shorts: Stranger than Fiction) but last year I went to the sports themed program (Shorts: Sports Shorts. Shorts about Sports). If horror is your thing then check out Shorts: The Best Damn F*#@ing Midnight Program Ever. Sh*t. I could go on about how amazing shorts are but just trust me and see at least one of the programs.
4. A movie where the director will be present. - Like I said I don't want to tell you what movie to go to but one of the best things about seeing a movie at a festival is having the directors, cast, or crew present. It gives you the chance to hear the director talk about the movie they made and the audience a chance to ask questions. So if you ever watched a movie and wanted to ask the director, stars, screenwriter, or whoever questions about the movie then this is your opportunity. .
A full list of movies and to purchase tickets online check out the Mkefilm.org.
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