From April 02-13, the state of Minnesota engorged itself on quality cinema through the 44th edition of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (MPSIFF). Featuring over 200 feature films from across the globe, the festival provided a little something for everyone.
The Minnesota Film Critics Association was proud to have several of its members attend the festival, with a few of them being veterans and just as many experiencing it for the very first time. Read about each member’s individual experience in their own words below, and make sure to check out the full breadth of their work on their sites!
Brian Eggert – Deep Focus Review
Every MSPIFF, I see at least a couple of my most treasured movies of that year, and the 2025 festival was no exception. Catching the darkly hilarious Friendship with a packed Midnight Madness audience was a treat. Noting the walkouts of those bored by Jia Zhangke’s latest, Caught by the Tides, while I delighted in it, was amusing (but not unsurprising). And sensing the complex feelings throughout the audience over Quisling: The Final Days, I could feel how important it was for everyone there to explore history, given the state of the world today.
Although I didn’t see as many films as I would have liked to, what I saw stuck with me. My coverage included two dispatches, several individual reviews, and a brief spotlight on Friendship and MSPIFF on KARE 11 on April 19. But perhaps most importantly, the festival experience and MSPIFF’s excellent lineup of international films led to engaging discussions with colleagues. It was great to see some of my fellow MNFCA critics embrace the festival and continue to be part of Minnesota’s film culture. Talking with them about what we saw, what we liked, and what we didn’t is a reminder that the festival isn’t just about seeing movies; it’s about building and celebrating our film community.
Hunter Friesen – The Cinema Dispatch
There’s nothing like a film festival to rejuvenate one’s passion for cinema, especially after the first quarter of 2025 provided a less-than-stellar sampling of theatrical releases. One of the oldest film festivals in the country, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (abbreviated as MSPIFF and pronounced “EM-spiff”) was a mini oasis, providing a vast lineup from every continent.
While many of the films within the lineup are unlikely to have big commercial prospects across the United States, seeing them in a crowded room full of equally excited patrons illustrates the importance that festivals possess in illuminating works that would otherwise go completely unnoticed.
Full reviews for The Friend, The Legend of Ochi, The Wedding Banquet, and Misericordia can be found at my website. A full recap of my experience at the festival has been published over at the Eden Prairie Local News.
Jason Hemming – Cinema Recall
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival is a yearly event from the Minneapolis Film Society. It was a great time to attend and see films that I had not seen before. One of the best movies was The Fun-Raiser, a charming, quirky comedy that reminded me very much of great slapstick comedies of the 30s mixed with the sort of great ensemble features of the 70s. Think of if the Marx brothers made Nashville. Another highlight was the live music concert of George Méliès’ silent films. Seeing a live band breathe life into these classic silent films was a huge treat.
One of the biggest moments for me was to rewatch Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain on the big screen. That and also getting to see and hear director Ang Lee talk about his filmography was very cool as well. I only wish I had the chance to talk to him about Hulk and Lust, Caution, but I should have sat up further. I did like that I gave Ruth Maramis from Flix Chatter my laserdisc of Sense and Sensibility because it is her favorite Ang Lee film.
Overall, it was a fun time. I feel bad that I missed out on seeing some films on the last day that I wanted to see, and I had planned to take a picture with all the volunteers, but I was getting tired and couldn’t stay up all night like I wanted. It was great to meet and talk with the wonderful staff members at the Main Cinema. My goal for next year is to have the Minnesota Film Critics Association have more of a presence there. It would be nice to record a podcast and get some feedback about what films we saw, and maybe it would be cool to have a meetup there.
Reviews:
- Savages
- Grand Tour
- The Fun-Raiser
- Right in the Eye: Live Music Convert of George Melies Films
- Tiny Lights
- Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
Catherine Krummey – Veg Out Recipes
From the preview party to closing night, my first MSPIFF was a fantastic experience. I rated several films 4.5/5, which is not a rating I give out often.
On top of the films, I appreciated the warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially having the space at Pracna open for people to sit and chat between movies. The Ang Lee event was also memorable, and it was wonderful to see two of his films on the big screen again.
Erik Larson – Hamline Oracle
Erik covered the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) for the first time!
He was able to attend four different events at MSPIFF44, and three of those stories are currently published! They are:
- A conversation with Ang Lee – The Oracle (covering the industry night conversation with legendary director Ang Lee!)
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) at MSPIFF 44: “Sense and Sensibility” in style – The Oracle (covering the showing of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” as part of the Ang Lee Milgrom Tribute.)
- Brokeback Mountain (2005) with Ang Lee at MSPIFF 44: Putting the camera in the center of your heart – The Oracle (covering the screening of “Brokeback Mountain” where fellow MNFCA member Paul McGuire Grimes and the film’s director Ang Lee personally introduced the screening!)
One final piece covering MSPIFF44 will be published next week, covering the 2025 remake of The Wedding Banquet.
Ruth Maramis – FlixChatter
Spring is always a special time as I always look forward to covering MSPIFF. This year’s lineup has been fantastic and wonderfully diverse, filled with plenty of world cinema films that often don’t become available to watch outside of the film festival. I’m thrilled to see MSPIFF continue to bring quality filmmakers like Oscar-winner Ang Lee, as well as talented indie filmmakers like Joshua Zeman, who made the incredible Checkpoint Zoo documentary. I was able to see 14 films from 10 different countries, 8 of them directed by women.
Getting tickets online is pretty easy, and I always appreciate the hospitality of the MSPIFF staff. One thing I really enjoy about this year’s experience is the bathroom upgrades at The Main Cinema! I know it seems trivial, but when you go there nearly every day for 12 days, that really makes a huge difference. I’m glad that there are satellite locations like the Edina Theater. I hope MSPIFF will continue partnering with other theater locations going forward.
Paul McGuire Grimes – Paul’s Trip to the Movies
It was another successful year at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival. It was wonderful being around the sold-out crowds and excitement. The biggest event I participated in was attending the Conversation with Ang Lee at DeLaSalle High School, which was moderated by Dierdre Haj. It was a thrill to see a sold-out crowd of over 500 people attend and hear his insightful thoughts on filmmaking. Later that night, I was fortunate enough to introduce Ang Lee and have a quick conversation with him before a sold-out screening of Brokeback Mountain to celebrate its 20th anniversary. It was deeply moving and an incredible opportunity to have him here in Minneapolis. Other film festival movies I also recommend are The Friend and The Wedding Banquet.
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest film critiques, reviews, and news from the Minnesota Film Critics Association! 🎬🍿
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