Once a year, the Driftless Film Festival brings together the best of new independent cinema with the landscape, artistic energy, and local atmosphere of the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin. Celebrating its 14th season on Nov. 1-4, 2023, DFF continues to provide a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for audiences and filmmakers alike.

SCHEDULE:

November 1, 2023

No God, No Master- at 7:00 pm

Runtime:1:34

When a series of package bombs shows up on the doorsteps of prominent politicians and businessmen in the summer of 1919, U.S. Bureau of Investigation Agent William Flynn (David Strathairn) is assigned the task of finding those responsible. He becomes immersed in an investigation that uncovers an anarchist plot to destroy democracy. Inspired by true events of the 1920s the film sets the stage for a timely thriller with resoundingly similar parallels to the contemporary war on terrorism and the role government plays to defeat it.

DFF 2023 OPENING NIGHT PARTY- at 9:00 pm

At Cafe 43.

Join us as we kick off the 14th Annual Driftless Film Festival with an opening night soiree at Cafe 43! Reserve your admission by purchasing a Festival Pass, which will get you admission to the opening and closing night parties, as well as a special passholder hospitality suite.

November 2, 2023

SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING- at 6:00 pm

Runtime:1:31

Lost on the dreary Oregon coast, Fran finds solace in her cubicle, listening to the constant hum of officemates and occasionally daydreaming to pass the time. She is ghosting through life, unable to pop her bubble of isolation, when a friendly new coworker, Robert, persistently tries to connect with her. Though it goes against every fiber of her being, she may have to give this guy a chance. Director Rachel Lambert and team craft beautiful cinema for this delicately told story of love for the socially awkward and emotionally challenged. The film is made all the more human by its lovely cast, most prominent in the penetrating eyes of lead actress/producer, Daisy Ridley, and the caring smile of lead actor, Dave Merheje. An unexpected fable on the virtues of living.

YES REPEAT NO- at 9:00 pm

Runtime:1:38

Three actors audition to play the Palestinian-Jewish actor and activist, Juliano Mer-Khamis, a former IDF paratrooper who defiantly identified as “100% Palestinian and 100% Jewish.” During a tense rehearsal meant to determine which of them is most suited to authentically portray Juliano Mer-Khamis, the three Julianos find their sense-of-self fractured and disrupted.


November 3, 2023

THIS MUCH WE KNOW- at 3:00 pm

Grieving the suicide of a friend, Frances Handerson heads to Las Vegas, the suicide capitol of the nation to seek answers. There she learns about the shocking suicide of a teenage boy. While investigating the boy’s suicide and the suicide epidemic further she learns that the city is also burdened by a national problem scrambling to bury decades of nuclear excess in a nearby mountain. Artfully maneuvering between two stories burgeoning with existential questions, THIS MUCH WE KNOW masterfully links the seemingly disparate subjects of self-annihilation and environmental issues into something supernatural, unforgettable and transcendental.

DRIFTLESS SHORT FILM SERIES- at 6:00 pm

The Driftless Short Film Series continues DFF’s tradition of highlighting groundbreaking short films during the festival. This year’s series features selections from filmmakers who work in and around the Driftless Area. Enjoy cutting edge filmmaking and spirited discussion.

LOTERIA- at 9:00 pm

Runtime:1:25

Due to the travel ban imposed on Iran in 2017, immigrants were forced to cross the border illegally into the United States. This is the story of an Iranian man’s multiple attempt to cross over the border illegally from Mexico to the United States in pursuit of a better life.


November 4, 2023

OUTED- at 12:00 pm

Runtime:1:27

Oliver, a recent high school graduate, is kicked out of his house after his parents find out he is gay. He struggles to make it on his own as he tries to find a way to pay for college.

FRIENDS FROM HOME- at  3:00 pm

Runtime: 1:12

A dramedy that follows two childhood friends as they travel cross country. Joe is making the big move to Los Angeles, while Mike is there for the ride. Along the way, they discuss everything from why Niagara falls is not so special to what it means to never move away from home.

LOVE & IRONY- at 6:00 pm

Runtime:1:51

The search for an authentic life leads an existential bike mechanic to discover the universal truths and transformative powers of love. From the safe confines of a humble Milwaukee bike shop, Charlie passively pursues the “authentic” life while actively carving up the idiosyncrasies of the post-modern world. His guarded life is upended after meeting Chloe, a beguiling photojournalist, who challenges his many long-held beliefs and ironically teaches him the genuine meaning of life, love and being your true self.

DFF 2023 CLOSING PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY- at 8:00 pm

At Cafe 43

Join us as we bid farewell to the 14th Annual Driftless Film Festival with a closing night soiree at Cafe 43! We’ll honor the best films of the Festival, and we’ll celebrate yet another year of enjoying independent cinema. Reserve your admission by purchasing a Festival Pass, which will get you admission to the opening and closing night parties, as well as a special passholder hospitality suite.

Date: November 1-4, 2023

Venue: Mineral Point Opera House, 139 High Street, Mineral Point, WI 53565

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