Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) exists to change perspectives, transform lives, and strengthen our communities by supporting and spurring on the art of filmmaking through; exhibition, production, distribution, and education.
TCFF was founded with intent to provide a premier venue for film artists from across the country to showcase their work, network with renowned filmmakers from across the region, connect with a wider audience and receive recognition from the national film industry. Now in its 15th year, TCFF is a year-around organization with a marquee 10-day festival in October. As annual attendance exceeds 10,000 (In Person and Streaming), TCFF showcases over 120 films while hosting monthly panels and educational offerings. Over a third of the curated and accepted films originate from MN artists, while annual education and networking events host over 500 MN filmmakers and artists.
Programming includes documentaries, narratives, features and shorts spanning all genres. 65% of the films are represented by their filmmakers who participate in post-film discussions. Through an open-submissions process and curated invitation, TCFF strategically programs content with topical and social relevance to attract a diverse audience for an immersive arts experience.
TCFF’s primary focus is to enable more Minnesotans to access exceptional independent cinema. Launching its inaugural year with a statement, TCFF held the regional premiere of ‘Waiting for Superman’ with Academy Award winning director Davis Guggenheim in attendance. Since then, TCFF has showcased national and regional premieres of films that have gone on to win Academy Awards (Nomadland, Green Book, Moonlight and many more), accolades in the global festival circuit, and wide distribution.
Focus on artist development is at the center of all activities for the organization. Through curated panels and workshops on specific aspects of filmmaking (e.g. Foley artistry, Screenwriting, Editing, Production best practices, etc.), artists develop skills to propel their careers. The annual Twin Cities Film Fest Actor Expo gathers over 250 local actors in a one-day conference filled with panels, workshops, meet and greets and auditions. TCFF Production Services has also given over $300,000 to local filmmakers for paid projects in the last 4 years.
TCFF also engages student and aspiring filmmakers through our Film Fellows program, a 4 day intensive during the annual festival w/ conversations, screenings, networking and collaboration. Additionally, TCFF Mentorship program has placed over 30 collegiate filmmakers in the last 2 years on active film arts productions for on the job training.
TCFF is committed to the educational, artistic development of both filmmakers and participants. Artists and audiences get a front row seat into the artistic vision of some of the most notable film professionals in the industry alongside up and coming filmmakers. TCFF has hosted the likes of Davis Guggenheim, Laverne Cox, Terrence Howard, Beau Bridges, John Hawkes, Rachael Leigh Cook, Tom Cavanagh, David Arquette, Tom Arnold, Steve Zahn, Jim Burke and Lea Thompson amongst others over the years giving artists and participants direct access to the art form and the artist process.
Twin Cities Film Fest takes place this fall, Oct 17-26th, at the Marcus West End Cinemas at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park. For more info, please visit our website: www.twincitiesfilmfest.org
Lights, Camera, Action!
