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PREVIEW: The 45th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (April 8-19)

by Twin Cities Arts Reader -

A promotional photo for the film Paralyzed by Hope, exploring the life of Minnesota comedian Maria Bamford.

From April 8-19, the MSP Film Society will present the 45th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF45) from April 8 – April 19 at The Main Cinema and Edina Theatre, plus additional screenings at The Capri in North Minneapolis, FilmNorth and Landmark Center
in St. Paul, and Pop’s Art Theater in Rochester.

As the festival celebrates its 45th anniversary, MSPIFF45 promises a dynamic celebration of global cinema with more than 230 films. From bold new discoveries to legacy screenings, festival favorites to highly anticipated premieres, MSPIFF’s lineup reflects the richness of the global community and underscores its commitment to supporting local and international filmmakers, and building community through the transformative power of film.

MSPIFF45 also features a full slate of special events bringing audiences closer to the creative process with Filmmaker Q&As, Industry Mixers, Community Conversations, Happy Hours, and more.

New this year is the MSPIFF Headquarters at Riverplace, located a short block up Historic Main Street from The Main Cinema in the former Pivo Restaurant/Wilde Café space. MSPIFF45 HQ will house the Festival Info Office, where guest can get answers to various questions, including film recommendations, and the MSPIFF Lounge, the social hot spot where receptions and panel discussions will be held, and where guests can gather between screenings, enjoy a beverage and a light bite, mingle with other cinephiles, and take in the excitement and energy surrounding the 12-day festival.

MSPIFF45 OPENING NIGHT – April 8 at The Main Cinema
Opening Night Party follows at the A-Mill Artists Lofts • 315 SE Main Street • Minneapolis

Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story
w/ Special Guests: Comedian Maria Bamford & Filmmaker Neil Berkeley!

Kicking off the evening is Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story. Directed by Judd Apatow and Neil Berkeley, the film offers an intimate and disarmingly funny portrait of beloved Minnesota comedian Maria Bamford, and invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and recognize themselves in her mental health struggles.

The recent Sundance hit, soon-to-be playing at SXSW, chronicles Bamford’s humor and vulnerabilities through remarkable archival materials and interviews with Maria, her family, and a cadre of comedians who profess their deep admiration and astonishment of Bamford’s creative endeavors, including Stephen Colbert, Tig Notaro, Patton Oswalt, and Sarah Silverman. Through Maria’s singular voice, the film actively destigmatizes mental illness and reminds audiences that laughter can be a profound act of connection and healing.

Everybody to Kenmure Street
w/ Special Guest: Director Felipe Bustos Sierra!

Complementing Bamford’s deeply personal story is Everybody to Kenmure Street. Directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra, this Sundance-winning documentary utilizes crowd sourced cell phone footage and clever re-enactments to chronicle a single remarkable day, when an act of creative civil resistance disrupted the arrest of two immigrants in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Scotland. An inspiring portrait of what everyday citizens are capable of in the face of injustice, the film echoes recent ICE activity in Minnesota by reflecting the spirit of collective action that resonates far beyond a single street in Glasgow—or Minneapolis.

Together, these two powerful films embody the very heart of MSPIFF: bringing audiences into conversation with stories that surprise, uplift, and unite us on opening night.

“Cinema is unique in its power to spark conversation, build empathy, and create shared moments that stay with us long after the credits roll,” says Susan Smoluchowski, MSP Film’s Executive Director. “At a time when people are seeking genuine human connection, MSPIFF45 offers an invaluable opportunity for our community to experience storytelling from around the globe in the welcoming communal and celebratory setting that is the festival.”

The full festival lineup can be found at: https://mspfilm.org/mspiff45/

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