Get your official MIFA merchandise ordered today and pick up at the festival!
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We are excited to partner with our three venues to share amazing independent films!
November 16th, 2024 from 10am-4pm: The UWM Union Cinema in Milwaukee, WI
November 17th, 2024 from 11am-4pm: Schubert’s Hartford Theatre in Hartford, WI
November 17th, 2024 from 6-10pm: The Bend Theater in West Bend, WI
Welcome to the inaugural Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, a vibrant celebration dedicated to the indomitable spirit of independent filmmakers. Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, our festival is more than an event; it's a movement championing the dreams and aspirations of independent storytellers who dare to express their unique visions through the art of cinema.
Submit your film to us, only on Film Freeway:
Director Statement
“Lonesome” was shot in B&W on the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a skeleton cast &crew, and a shoestring budget. Heavily influenced by the films of the French New Wave, I wanted my first feature to be a film that was shot on the cheap, with a handheld camera, natural lighting, and using location shooting. In the early 2010s DSLR cameras started becoming affordable for first time film makers, who would no longer need to rent expensive equipment or buy a camera that would cost a life’s savings. With the advent of the affordable DSLR, I felt that we had the tools to make a film look cinematic, while still being able to maintain a low budget.
Many challenging variables allowed us to complete this film. Many first time directors have the goal of trying to make the next ‘no budget’ feature that can become a cult hit, and ‘Lonesome’ was made in this spirit.
Along with the ‘low budget’ shooting concept, I felt the story of ‘Lonesome’ had to be a simple story as well. My taste has always veered towards romantic narratives (heavily influenced by the films of Jacques Demy and Wong Kar-Wai). ‘Lonesome’ needed to be a simple love found, love lost story. I wanted the film to have a feel of improvised dialogue, even though the majority of dialogue was scripted. Initially the movie was conceived as being a silent film in which inter-titles would provide the narrative, and the dialogue would be subtitled. However, as filming went along, the artistic decision was made to leave the dialogue as dialogue(instead of using subtitles), and only use inter-titles to narrate. I wanted to play around with different genres, so it was fun to have the film be partially silent, partially a musical and to be dramatic with comedic moments.
Ultimately, we were trying to achieve a romantic narrative that would fit the genre of Art-house or Indie Film, and still have that classic cinema look.
-Tony K Hall
Don't miss your chance to experience the best in cinema. Buy your festival pass today and get access to all screenings, including “Lonesome”. Get them here:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-milwaukee-independent-film-awards-tickets-1035020112017
The Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival is an annual event showcasing the best in independent film from around the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
The festival will run November 16th and 17th .
There are 43 films tentatively planned to screen over three venues.
Award certificates and monetary prizes will be awarded in person. (Monetary prizes will be given either in cash in person or through Venmo or Zelle if winner not present).
Festival Format:
November 16th
Screenings at UWM-UC from 10am-4pm
November 17th
Screenings at SHT from 11am-4pm
Screenings at TB from 6:00-10pm
Awards and Social at 6th Street Bar from 10pm-Midnight
Have a question about the festival? Want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out our contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
The Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival is an annual event showcasing the best in independent film from around the world. Our goal is to provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
At Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, our vision is to be the premier destination for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the world. We strive to create an inclusive community where everyone can explore, discover and celebrate the power of film.
The Milwaukee Independent Film Awards desires to have a tremendous impact on the Wisconsin film industry and the communities we serve. We plan to screen thousands of films, host countless workshops and panels, and provide opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work on a growing stage.
At Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, our Festival Director, Ezekiel N. Drews, and Executive Festival Director, Eric Leukert, are filmmakers like all of you and proud Wisconsinites! They are proud of what Wisconsin has to offer to the scene of cinema. Their mission is to promote Wisconsin Filmmakers while also recognizing the importance
At Milwaukee Independent Film Awards, our Festival Director, Ezekiel N. Drews, and Executive Festival Director, Eric Leukert, are filmmakers like all of you and proud Wisconsinites! They are proud of what Wisconsin has to offer to the scene of cinema. Their mission is to promote Wisconsin Filmmakers while also recognizing the importance of global films and their impact on how we create cinema stories.
Their motto is our motto:
Every Story’s Spirit Matters
