Experience the magic of cinema at the Crow River Film Festival

Film fanatics are in for a treat later this month as cinematic magic comes alive at the Crow River Film Festival (CRFF) in St. Michael.     

Held August 29 and 30, this vibrant celebration of independent film, storytelling, and community will occur at the St. Michael Cinema (4300 O’Day Ave. NE, St Michael), a stone’s throw from the scenic banks of the Crow River. The festival is more than just a movie-going experience—it’s a cultural event that connects filmmakers and audiences together for a weekend of cinematic discovery. 

“The St. Michael Cinema is a one-of-a-kind venue. It has ample space for people to gather for an unsurpassed viewing experience,” stated festival founder Nathan Block. “It’s the perfect place for filmmakers and audiences to come together and share a journey.”

Festival’s mission

The mission of the Crow River Film Festival is to bring art and independent cinema to rural areas that are sometimes underserved by more urban/metropolitan film festivals, focusing on delivering high quality films to areas that might find Twin Cities-based film festivals inaccessible or difficult to attend.

“I wanted to have a festival right in the heart of Minnesota that showcased the beauty of our state,” said Block. “I am hoping that out-of-town filmmakers who attend this festival will fall in love with this state and want to make films here. In addition, I find it frustrating that cultural events of this nature are restricted to highly urban areas that may be inaccessible to certain people. Bringing art and independent cinema to outlying communities is a primary goal of this festival.”

Great stories can come from anywhere; the Crow River Film Festival showcases the very best in independent filmmaking. Titles include “Bobby’s Intermission” and “How Can I Keep from Singing?,” both selected as feature films created by Minnesota filmmakers. “Crow River Film Festival will highlight not only Minnesota filmmakers but filmmakers from all over the world with a distinctive voice. The screenings will be of the best possible quality in a high-quality venue with excited and enthusiastic audiences,” highlighted Block. 

Program variety

Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a casual movie lover, you’ll find something that moves, surprises, or inspires you on the festival’s diverse lineup, which includes five carefully selected feature films and over 40 short films spread amongst five different programs. 

Festival goers can expect an eclectic mix of genres, from thought-provoking documentaries and gripping dramas to offbeat comedies and nail-biting horror.  

“We have a wide variety of genres this year. Our short film programs cover films by women, works by indigenous peoples, documentaries, drama, and horror. Our opening night gala feature film is a special 4K restoration of “The Conversation,” from 1974 starring the late Gene Hackman.”

Block shared that film selections for the festival came via a combination of Film Freeway, a major platform used to connect festivals and filmmakers, and word-of-mouth outreach. “The response via Film Freeway for a first-year festival was overwhelming. We had dozens of submissions. Unfortunately, there was no way we could include every film this year. I am hopeful that next year, we will have a bigger festival with more space to include additional films.”  

Inaugural year

Crow River Film Festival Founder Nathan Block is the owner of Woodbury 10 Theatre in Woodbury. He’s catered numerous smaller film festivals at his theater and has been a filmmaker since 2007, directing, producing, or writing over 50 short films. This will be CRFF’s inaugural event, with plans to continue the festival in coming years. 

 “I have been a movie theater owner since 1998 and have catered very small festivals in the past but nothing quite like this. This is my first time organizing a multi-day festival. I am hopeful people will attend and see the amazing work that is being done by independent filmmakers – not only in Minnesota, but everywhere. I am very excited for the first year of this festival, and I hope we have a good turnout for the filmmakers.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Minnesota’s most exciting movie-going events. The Crow River Film Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Visit the Crow River Film Festival website at: www.crowriverfilmfestival.com or view the Facebook page for show times and ticket information.