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.
This year in 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. I thought about writing up a list of movie recommendations but there are plenty others out there and wanted to do something different (If you are looking for a list of recommendations Matt Mueller of OnMilwaukee.com wrote an excellent list). I could write up what movies I plan on going to see but my tastes aren't for everyone and I encourage everyone to seek out movies that are in line with their tastes.
What I decided to do is 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 about everything from education to crime, and parties.
Check out the list below.
This year in 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. I thought about writing up a list of movie recommendations but there are plenty others out there and wanted to do something different (If you are looking for a list of recommendations Matt Mueller of OnMilwaukee.com wrote an excellent list). I could write up what movies I plan on going to see but my tastes aren't for everyone and I encourage everyone to seek out movies that are in line with their tastes.
What I decided to do is 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 about everything from education to crime, 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 last year the added 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.
2. Safety Last – 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 the classic Harold Lloyd comedy will get live music played on the Oriental’s own organ, the first time ever at the festival and probably the first time in a long time.
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 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. While the festival hasn't announced which movies will have some of the crew in attendance it's worth checking out when they do. It give's 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. .
5. 30 Seconds Away: Breaking the Cycle - Ok so I said I wasn't going to tell you what movie to see but this movie is different. It's not because I gave to their Kickstarter campaign or because I have met the producer and she seems really cool but it's because of the film itself. This is a locally made documentary about a very serious issue. The movie focuses homeless people in Milwaukee and I feel this movie has the potential to be very important. The world premiere will be at the Film Fest and I have a feeling both director Faith Kohler and producer Jessica Farrell will be in attendance. This is sure to be a much talked about movie.
Bonus Pick:
Uncertain - Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a town with a population of 98? Well the documentary Uncertain gives us a glimpse of three men in Uncertain, Tx. As the lake the town sits on slowly gets choked by an aquatic weed the town is slowly dying with it. The Southern Gothic Doc won Best New Documentary Director at the Tribeca Film Festival and we are proud to be partners with it at the Milwaukee Film Festival which is why this is a must see.
A full list of movies and to purchase tickets online check out the Mkefilm.org.
2. Safety Last – 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 the classic Harold Lloyd comedy will get live music played on the Oriental’s own organ, the first time ever at the festival and probably the first time in a long time.
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 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. While the festival hasn't announced which movies will have some of the crew in attendance it's worth checking out when they do. It give's 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. .
5. 30 Seconds Away: Breaking the Cycle - Ok so I said I wasn't going to tell you what movie to see but this movie is different. It's not because I gave to their Kickstarter campaign or because I have met the producer and she seems really cool but it's because of the film itself. This is a locally made documentary about a very serious issue. The movie focuses homeless people in Milwaukee and I feel this movie has the potential to be very important. The world premiere will be at the Film Fest and I have a feeling both director Faith Kohler and producer Jessica Farrell will be in attendance. This is sure to be a much talked about movie.
Bonus Pick:
Uncertain - Ever wonder what it would be like to live in a town with a population of 98? Well the documentary Uncertain gives us a glimpse of three men in Uncertain, Tx. As the lake the town sits on slowly gets choked by an aquatic weed the town is slowly dying with it. The Southern Gothic Doc won Best New Documentary Director at the Tribeca Film Festival and we are proud to be partners with it at the Milwaukee Film Festival which is why this is a must see.
A full list of movies and to purchase tickets online check out the Mkefilm.org.