FilmNorth

08/19/2026

If you missed this extraordinary documentary at MSPIFF45, be sure to get to screening at The Main Cinema August 28-September 2!

After an amazing World Premiere at MSPIFF45, ECHOES IN THE NIGHT: THE SEARCH FOR JACOB WETTERLING is back at The Main Cinema for an extended run.

ECHOES IN THE NIGHT: THE SEARCH FOR JACOB WETTERLING
Aug 28 - Sep 3

In 1989, on a quiet road in rural Minnesota, 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling is abducted by a masked gunman. The case remains shrouded in mystery for decades, until a courageous sexual-assault survivor, a citizen journalist, and Jacob’s unshakable parents demand action. After the case reaches a devastating conclusion, they are all left to question what “closure” really means.

Tickets: MSPfilm.org

08/18/2026

All those with eligible films: SUBMIT!!

BIG NEWS! The 2027 Film Independent Spirit Awards are officially accepting submissions, and we’ve got NEW categories.

✨ Best International First Feature
✨ Digital Creator Award, part of the Emerging Filmmaker Awards, with a $25k unrestricted grant for the winner
✨ Plus, the previously announced Robert Redford Award

We’re also welcoming the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) as a qualifying festival.

The 42nd take place March 2, 2027, at the Hollywood Palladium.

Ready to submit? Learn more: https://bit.ly/FiSA-Submit

08/18/2026

FilmNorth and Explore Minnesota Film are proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the 10,000 Stories Fund—ten ambitious film and media projects selected from 84 applications.

Each filmmaking team will receive a $10,000 development grant, along with mentorship, professional development, industry access, and opportunities to move their projects forward.

Congratulations to the teams behind:

ARROWHEAD
THE GICHIGAMI GAZETTE
GUNNAR ON THE GRASSLAND SEA
MENTHOLS
NICE FISH
NOTHING TO HIDE
SLAUGHTERHOUSE
SOIL
SPIRAL
UNTITLED ROOFER FILM

Created in partnership by FilmNorth and Explore Minnesota Film, the 10,000 Stories Fund is an investment in original storytelling, the filmmakers bringing these projects to life, and Minnesota’s growing film and media ecosystem.

We’re thrilled to welcome this inaugural cohort and to support these teams as they take the next steps in bringing their stories from development toward the screen.

Meet the filmmakers, explore the selected projects, and learn more about the 10,000 Stories Fund at filmnorth.org.

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Andrew Zuckerman, Dillon Orth, and John Cronin on the success of their MN-made comedy feature GOOD SPORT, which tied THE ODYSSEY in box office this past weekend at The Edina Theatre and is having an extended run. The film was fiscally sponsored by .

A locally made comedy is drawing crowds and attention at a west metro theater, putting Minnesota filmmaking in the spotlight.

08/13/2026

THIS SATURDAY AT
You’ve just finished your newest short film or feature and are ready to hit the festival circuit. So how do you get the most attention for your film? Are social media, press releases, advertising, and other marketing-related materials the right approach? Do you need a marketing plan? Should you spend the time and money on one? What are the professional standards?

This workshop provides a crash course on the vital role promotion plays for any independent filmmaker. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just completing your first film, the workshop will reveal how marketing works for independent films and how it can be an essential element in your film successfully reaching audiences. filmnorth.org/marketing

08/12/2026

Amazing opportunity for doc filmmakers!

The Raymond J. Christensen Foundation and Twin Cities Film Fest are searching for an emerging Minnesota filmmaker with a powerful…

08/12/2026

DON'T MISS THIS WEEKEND'S CINEMATOGRAPHY BOOT CAMP!
This immersive, hands-on workshop covers an in-depth examination of camera controls and movement, lenses, composition, lighting (tungsten and LED), and visual language. Activities include lecture, viewing of film scenes, and hands-on camera and lighting exercises. You'll learn about cameras such as the Canon EOS C100, Sony FS7, DSLRs, compact mirrorless cameras, plus some rigs, sliders, lenses, and lights from the instructor’s inventory. Students are encouraged to bring their own cameras!
https://filmnorth.org/filmmaker-development/courses-workshops/cinematography-boot-camp/


Upper Midwest Film Office Explore Minnesota

08/11/2026

The deadline to apply for FilmNorth’s Studio Thirteen Future Filmmakers Lab is approaching. Don’t miss the opportunity to join this free, 13-week filmmaking program for students in grades 9–12 who are ready to take the next step in their filmmaking journey.

Participants gain hands-on production experience, mentorship from working industry professionals, and the opportunity to create an original short film with their cohort.

With films that have premiered at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival for three consecutive years, been selected by festivals nationwide, and earned a Student Production Award from the Upper Midwest Emmy Association, Studio Thirteen is a proven pathway for emerging filmmakers to develop their craft and gain real-world experience.

🗓️ Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT

Don’t wait and miss your chance! Visit our website to learn more:
https://filmnorth.org/filmmaker-development/studio-13-future-filmmakers-lab/