Discover the World of Independent Film
Celebrate the magic of movies at the MKE Independent Film Awards Film Festival!
Discover the World of Independent Film
Celebrate the magic of movies at the MKE Independent Film Awards Film Festival!
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Milwaukee Independent Film Awards
Celebrating Independent Filmmakers
Welcome to Season 2 of 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:
Welcome to Milwaukee Independent Film Awards Film Festival
About the Festival
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.
Festival Schedule
The festival schedule for Season 2 is yet to be set!
Contact Us
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.
About the Festival
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.
About Milwaukee Independent Film Awards
Our Vision
Our Vision
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.
Our Impact
Our Vision
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.
Our Promise
Our Promise
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
Our Board of Directors
Ezekiel is a native Wisconsinite and is the founding father of MIFA. As a novice he wrote a feature film “Happy Birthday”, which won has won over 50 different festival awards, and is now available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video. His experience in filmmaking grew his love for indie film, and led him to start the Milwaukee Independent Film Awards as a way to recognize the hard work indie filmmaking deserves. His mission is to make sure that good stories get the chance to be seen and heard.
Eric Leukert is a retired Army veteran, and five years ago began pursuing acting, landing roles in national commercials, feature films, and Netflix productions. He later expanded into producing, earning his first producer credit and creating SAG films that draw on his diverse experience.
An entrepreneur, Eric is passionate about mentoring others. Having traveled to all 50 states and six continents, he brings a global perspective to his projects, aiming to make a positive impact in every endeavor.
Tony K Hall is a writer, director, producer and actor based in Milwaukee, WI.
His 1st feature as a writer/director 'Lonesome' ( https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15380124/ ) was a festival favorite garnishing awards and marquee time slots in 16 different film festivals worldwide. 'Lonesome' also received a large streaming distribution, despite being a micro-budget film made independently in Wisconsin.
Tom Reed has worn many hats in the arts: educator, actor, director, and producer. Tom was the Chair of performing Arts at Alverno College until 2024 and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus after completing his career at Alverno. Tom is also a founding producer of Milwaukee’s Free Shakespeare in the Park and worked either as an actor, director, text coach, or movement coach. Tom is a member of Actors Equity Association and has had many roles across theatre, film, and TV productions.