The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is the annual harbinger of spring in Minnesota. Every year it brings us a breath of fresh air and an opportunity for a fresh global perspective. This year’s 42nd festival, produced and presented by the MSP Film Society, runs from Thursday April 13 through Thursday April 27.
The MSP Film Society is dedicated to the belief that the best way to see great film is on the “big screen” and in the company of others. This commitment led the film society to recently assume the control and management of the five-theater St. Anthony Main. MSP’s Executive Director, Susan Smouluchowski, told us that they have refurbished the theaters, rebranded the complex as the MainCinema and are now curating all of its screenings throughout the year.
Susan, who has been the film society’s director since 2010, reminded us that many of our multi-generational residents were introduced to the magic of international cinema from the 1960s through the 1990s via the University of Minnesota Film Society, the predecessor to the MSP Film Society.
During those decades films were screened on campus at the Bell Museum. This year’s film festival offering will be shown primarily at the newly refurbished MainCinema with some additional showtimes at the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, Landmark Center in St. Paul and other locations in Rochester, Minnesota.
The full 2023 film festival lineup embodies more than 200 films, representing 100 cultures and countries. Susan also noted that there are a couple of films with Hill & Lake area connections.
“Dreamin’ Wild,” US, 2022.
Directed by Kenwood resident Bill Pohlad, the film asks, “What if a childhood dream came true — but 30 years later?” That’s what happened to singer/songwriter Donnie Emerson as he approached 50 years old. While it brought hopes of second chances, it also brought ghosts of the past and long-buried emotions. Inspired by a true story. Stars Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel and Beau Bridges. It is featured as a 2023 opening night film on Thursday, April 13.
“Being Mary Tyler Moore,” US, 2022, Documentary.
Directed by James Adolphus, the film offers unprecedented access to the Mary Tyler Moore Estate, friends, family and colleagues. “Being Mary Tyler Moore” constructs a mosaic of Mary’s 60-year career in show business and is a must-see for Minnesotans and fans of the long-running TV show. An intimate cinematic portrait of one of our most beloved and indelible Hill & Lake icons.
Information about parties, panels, tickets and passes can be found at www.MSPfilm.org.
