JOIN US FOR THE 2025 FESTIVAL
March 19 - 23, 2025WHERE LOCAL AND GLOBAL STORIES COME TOGETHER
March 19-23, 2025
The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.
MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!
I really loved this festival…The programming was well done, the talks were interesting and engaging, the networking events were fun and the location was amazing…Highly recommend this festival to local and international filmmakers.
Check out the 2025 Film Fest Guide!
PITCH COMPETITION
The MFF Pitch Competition is an annual competition takes place during the Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) March 19-23, 2025 in person at the Zeitgeist Arts Center in Duluth, MN, where emerging filmmakers from across the Midwest have ten minutes to pitch their next film concepts, or works-in-progress, for financial support to a panel of filmmakers and industry professionals.
Awards & Prizes:
- Short Film Pitch – First Prize $1000, Runner Up $500
- Feature Narrative Pitch – First Prize $3000, Runner Up $500
- Feature Documentary Pitch – First Prize $3000, Runner Up $500
- MN Filmmaker Pitch – First Prize $3000, Runner Up $500
- Indigenous Filmmaker Pitch – First Prize $3000, Runner Up $500
For more details or to submit to the Pitch Competition, visit our FilmFreeway page HERE. Have questions? Email vera@zeitgeistarts.com
Valérie Déus
Valérie Déus
Valérie Déus is a festival programmer and curator based in Minneapolis. She is currently the Shorts Programmer for the Provincetown International Film Festival. In the past, she programmed for Film North’s Cinema Lounge and the Minneapolis Underground Film Festival. Alongside programming, she has curated film programs for The Walker Art Center and Public Functionary gallery.
Jim Brunzell
Jim Brunzell
Jim Brunzell III was born in the 70’s, played sports in the 80’s, went to school in the 90’s, and started working on film festivals in the 2000’s. He joined the Twin Cities based music + film festival, Sound Unseen in 2008 as a programmer and became the festival director in 2012, and the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary this past November. During his tenure the Sound Unseen was named “One of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World ” by Moviemaker Magazine in 2016 & 2019 and “One of the 20 Great First Time Moviemakers Festival” in 2022. In 2023, he joined the L.A. based film distributor, Dark Star Pictures as Director of Festivals and Theatrical. He has served on numerous film festival juries and is a big sports nerd, especially a die-hard Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He is also the father to a 6-year old tabby cat named Bruce.
Mandy June Turpin
Mandy June Turpin
Mandy June Turpin is a producer/actor/director/writer. She holds a degree in Theater, Film and Television from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her recent producing credits include the feature films, “Murder on the Great Lakes”, “Merry Kiss Cam” streaming on HULU, the psychological thriller “Body Language” from the creators of “The Conjuring” and“Annabelle”, “Rescuing Christmas” starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Sam Page streaming on Hallmark. She has several films in development including “Bob’s Holiday Office Party” directed by Donald Petrie, “Fleury” written/ directed by Michael Young, based on seven time NHL all star Theo Fleury, “Looking For Group”, a coming of age comedy set in the world of video games, and her feature directorial debut, the dark comedy, “Beach In Winter”. Additional producing credits include, award winning feature “Sunny Daze”,the hilarious dark comedy, “Jess Plus None” web series “Doxxed” from writer/ director Elaine Loh. The award winning, 10-episode series “Uncorked, a web series”, in which she wrote, produced and directed. Her acting credits include “FourGood Days”, directed by Rodrigo Garcia and starring Glen Close and Mila Kunis,“Ready Player One”, directed by Steven Spielberg, “Powder Blue” starring ForrestWhitaker and Jessica Biel, “A Sunday Horse” starring Ving Rhames, Nikki Reed and William Shatner, “The Perfect Family” starring Kathleen Turner.
PASSES & TICKETING
Minnesota Film Festival 2025 All Access Passes on sale beginning January 15, 2025!
Individual Tickets on sale February 26, 2025!
What are Pass Benefits?
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Access to all Film Screenings and having first pick before general tickets go on sale.
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Access to all special events including the Pitch Competition, Panels, Presentation, Comedy Night, Awards Ceremony, Networking Events and all the parties!
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Access to the Filmmaker Lounge, where there is coffee and light snacks!
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A small popcorn!
Who should purchase a pass?
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Anyone who wants priority access to reserving tickets to screenings and events!
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Anyone who is a film and storytelling enthusiast!
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Anyone in the film industry or is interested in learning about our growing film industry in NE MN!
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Anyone who loves a bargain!
MFF All Access Pass Prices:
- Earlybird – $75 (Until Feb 17th)
- Regular – $95
- Student – $25
Individual Ticket Prices:
- $15 Regular Screenings
- $20 Special Screenings (Opening Night, Friday Feature Focus, Saturday Spotlight Screening)
- $40 Awards Ceremony & Party
- $12 – $20 Other Special Events
Individual tickets to screenings and events will be available to reserve beginning February 26, 2025. Passholders will have access to reserve tickets beginning Feb 20, 2025.
Ticketing Timeline Summary:
1/15 – Passes on Sale – Early Bird price $75
2/17 – Passes on Sale – Regular price $95
2/20 – Lineup Announced, Passholders begin reserving tickets
2/26 – Tickets on sale to general public
3/19 – Opening Night!
Questions? Reach out to boxoffice@zeitgeistarts.com
2025 Press Pass Form
Interested in covering the 2025 Minnesota Film Festival? (March 19-23, 2025)
Press Passholders get:
• 1 Ticket to MFF Screenings
• Access to MFF Parties and Panel Discussions (Some restrictions may apply)
• Please submit your application through the link below ASAP (Deadline March 6th)
2025 Student Pass Form
Hey students!!! Fill out this form to get a super “secret” promo code for an All Access Festival Pass!
Student Passholders get:
• 1 Ticket to MFF Screenings
• Access to MFF Parties and Panel Discussions (Some restrictions may apply)
• Please submit your application through the link below
ATTEND
Partner Hotels
THE INN ON LAKE SUPERIOR
The INN on Lake Superior welcomes the Minnesota Film Festival guests!
Call 218-726-1111 and ask for the MN Film Festival or booking ID 11376.
Rates are $101.00 – $138.00. Make your reservation by 2/17/25.
SHERATON DULUTH
Sheraton Duluth Hotel for $169.00 per night
Last Day to Book : Wednesday, February 19, 2025
TOWNEPLACE SUITES
Use this map to find food and drink options in downtown Duluth during the Minnesota Film Festival! You may stumble across some others while you are in town, but here is a place to start!
SUBMIT YOUR FILM OR PITCH TODAY!
Film Submission Deadlines
October 4, 2024 – Early Bird Deadline
November 8, 2024 – Regular Deadline
December 13, 2024 – Extended Deadline
Pitch Submission Deadlines
November 8, 2024 – Early Bird Deadline
December 13, 2024 – Regular Deadline
January 3, 2025 – Extended Deadline
FUNDERS & PARTNERS
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
SCREENING TEAM:
We are looking for people who love film, who would be willing to spend 3-4 hours a week watching film submissions and sharing their valuable thoughts. Don’t have experience? No worries! We will provide a critique guide and build film analysis skills. The bigger the mix the better the group!
Responsibilities: Watch 3-4 hours of content a week as assigned. Typically this will be a mixture of short films and a feature film (or two if they’re on the shorter side). You will rate and provide feedback on each film with a rubric we provide.
OPERATIONS TEAM:
These volunteers are the front lines of the Festival, and are MFF ambassadors. For many of the festival guests, you will be the first face they see. The various roles include but are not limited to: Greeter, Usher, Ticket Checker, and Runners.
Responsibilities: This position is perfect for friendly and welcoming people who can solve simple issues such as answering questions, handing out ballots, check tickets, and controlling traffic flow.
STREET TEAM:
Do you like to get out in the community? Do you like to get to know area businesses? Then the Street Team is an excellent place to volunteer!
Responsibilities: Distribute posters and rack cards to area businesses.
TRANSPORTATION:
****You must be at least 25 years old, have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and your own vehicle. You should have the maturity to be able to talk with passengers when needed but also the discretion to leave them be when needed. We will reimburse gas receipts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN IS THE 2025 MINNESOTA FILM FESTIVAL?
MARCH 19-23, 2025.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE MINNESOTA FILM FESTIVAL?
Feature Films, Short Films, the Pitch Competition, Panels, and events! To have complete access to the festival, consider an All Access Pass for $75.
WHEN WILL PASSES AND TICKETS GO ON SALE?
Ticketing information will be announced soon!
HOW DO I USE MY PASS?
To reserve tickets with your pass, sign into your account with your Pass Number/Email Address and password. Once signed in, browse the films and reserve your films via PASS REDEMPTION. Add to cart and remember to checkout!
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT. NOW WHAT?
The rush line! When a film is sold out, we will then start the rush line. It’s first come first serve in person. Anyone late to a screening risks the chance of their ticket being sold to the rush line 10 minutes after the start of the screening.
WHERE WILL THE FILMS BE SCREENED AND EVENTS TAKE PLACE?
The majority of the films will take place at Zeitgeist in Duluth, Minnesota.
WHEN WILL THE LINEUP BE ANNOUNCED?
Stay tuned for more information!
I’M A STUDENT, WHAT CAN I GET?
Students have access to a discounted general ticket of $12 or All Access Pass for $25.
FESTIVAL POLICIES
LATE SEATING
Late seating will be at the discretion of the house manager. All patrons must be in their seats by 10 minutes after the start of the scheduled screening time.
RUSH LINE
If a film is sold out, a first come, first served Rush Line will begin. If there are open seats 10 minutes after the start of the screening time, an usher will count open available seats. That amount of tickets will then be sold to the first people in the rush line.
EXCHANGES
We can only exchange a ticket for another film event during the festival week BEFORE the screening takes place.
REFUNDS
All sales are final, however we may be able to provide a refund on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a manager if you have questions.