MILWAUKEE — Every spring, thousands pay a visit to southeastern Wisconsin for the Milwaukee Film Festival. 

“It’s where we bring what we believe the best films across the country and throughout the world to Milwaukee,” said Chief Operations Officer for Milwaukee Film Kristen Heller. “We celebrate film, which is national, international and local filmmakers, and just celebrating stories that we want to share and experiences we want to have with the community.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The Milwaukee Film Festival kicks off for the 16th year

  • The festival highlights films locally, nationally and internationally

  • The Downer Theatre is back up and running for the festival because Milwaukee Film took over operations 

Heller said this year is extra special because the nonprofit took over operations for the historic Downer Theatre. This comes after the theater closed in September under circumstances that still aren’t clear.  

“It was always a dream of ours to operate this theater,” said Heller. “So in the fall of 2023 when this theatre closed its doors, it felt like our moment was here and the need for action was here. So we signed the lease for it at the very end of February. It’s been a mad dash ever since to get it ready for the festival, but here we are.” 

She said some improvements were made before the theater reopened. 

“The two main areas that we really focused on to get things ready were concessions and projection in both houses,” said Heller. “One of the houses needed a brand new screen. One of the other houses needed a brand new projector. Everything needed a little bit upgraded. A little more polish. The concession stand needed a lot of de-greasing, shaping up new equipment.”

Heller said it’s been a real labor of love to prepare the Downer Theatre for the 16th annual Milwaukee Film Festival, but it’s been rewarding seeing it come together, along with seeing so many visitors.

Jeremy Dudek enjoyed one of the films on Sunday. He not only attended but judged a film for kids.

“I’m viewing films and writing down in a notebook to see which one should win the best kids’ choice awards,” said Dudek.

Heller said by taking over operations of the Downer Theatre, Milwaukee Film is keeping a piece of history in the community.

“We have signed a five-year lease,” said Heller. “Our goal is to do a substantial amount of fundraising because we would really love to buy this venue and further improve it and really put a lot into shaping it up and making it what it should be.”

The Milwaukee Film Festival kicked off April 11 and runs until April 25. For more information on the festival, click here.

Related Stories