In case you missed it, the 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival wrapped up last week. It was a blast! From April 16-30, hundreds of feature-length and short films lit up the screens of the Oriental and Downer theaters. There were Q&As, panel discussions, and another 15-day treasure hunt organized by ye olde Milwaukee Record. So how many people enjoyed this year’s film festival? Turns out, a lot!
On Thursday, Milwaukee Film announced a MFF26 attendance of 36,922 “across the screenings and events on offer.” (Attendance at screenings only came in at more than 33,400.) That overall number represents a hefty 15.4% bump from MFF25, which recorded an attendance of 32,004.
“Steven Spielberg once said, ‘Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic.’ Milwaukee Film is so lucky we have audiences who want to experience that magic with us day in, day out for two weeks every spring,” said Susan Kerns, Milwaukee Film’s Executive Director, in a press release. “This year was especially meaningful since we just purchased the Downer Theatre, and were able to hold the World Premieres of four feature films, starting with our Opening Night screening of Ueck. Milwaukee loves to celebrate as a community, and we are so honored to be part of its cultural fabric. We look forward to doing it again next year when the Oriental Theatre celebrates its 100th birthday!”
Speaking of next year, the 2027 Milwaukee Film Festival will take place April 29 – May 13, 2027. Need a film fest fix before that? Check out Milwaukee Film’s Dialogues Documentary Festival, returning for its third year September 24-27, 2026.
What else? MFF26’s REEL Impact Drive netted a cool $163,605 for Milwaukee Film, the Audience Award for Best Short Film ($1,000) went to Oh Whale, directed by Winslow Crane-Murdoch; and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film ($2,000) went to Bright Beautiful World: The Infectious Joy Of Pat McCurdy, directed by Peter Matsoukas and Benny Kaplan. Congrats, Pat! (You can find the Jury Award winners HERE.)
And congrats to Milwaukee Film for putting on another incredible festival! Here’s to MFF27! (In the meantime, get some rest!)
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