It's been 20 years since the Wisconsin Film Festival began. What started as an ambitious team of University staff and students has become an annual tradition, with events designed for adults, children, and even hospital screenings for patients to enjoy. This year, its organizers hope to honor the festival's beginnings, and bring a wealth of interesting, challenging, engaging and artistic works to Madison again.
The festival kicks off with a reception Thursday evening at Memorial Union. The reception begins at 5:30, and the screening of the first film, "Mountain," will begin at 7. An after party at the union will include disco dancing and live music by local band VO5. From there, the festival has more than 90 unique films scheduled for viewing over the course of the next week. Topics include politics, culture, nature, beer brewing and more. The viewings take place at 5 different venues on or near the UW Campus. To learn more about the films, or to purchase tickets, look at their listings here. Each night, following the last screenings, the Madison Concourse Hotel is hosting "Afterglow," a party designed to celebrate the films, and encourage conversation about the topics they cover.
In addition to the wide array of films designed for more mature audiences, the film festival is encouraging children and families to join in the fun. Called "Big Screens, Little Folks," the series includes child-friendly films and topics. Several of these will also be shown at the American Family Children's Hospital, to make sure that patients have a chance to enjoy the fun. Saturday, kids will have a chance to make their own stop-motion films at a free workshop hosted at Union South. Film festival organizers are partnering with the Madison Public Library to offer this event. All supplies are provided, and kids can expect to make a short film during the workshop. Come with ideas, or make them up as you go along!
The Wisconsin Film Festival is an annual tradition, bringing in artists, film critics, and movie goers from all over the region, and in some cases, the world. Check out the options, and take advantage of some indoor entertainment on this chilly Wisconsin weekend!
