What to see at the 2026 Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

Here are the local films we're eyeing:

🥲 "Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story": The festival's opening film, co-directed by Judd Apatow, follows Minnesota-raised comedian Maria Bamford through her career and continued struggles with mental health. April 8, rush tickets only

🏳️‍🌈 "Bigfoot Woods": Filmed in Ely in 2024, this fictional feature follows a 14-year-old grappling with gender identity who accidentally records footage of Bigfoot — and the subsequent mixed reactions from their small town.

✏️ Shorts 9: Eclectic Interests: This short film collection highlights six unique national and local stories, including a flick about Minnesota's Orfield Lab and the aforementioned "A Short Documentary About a Giant Pencil." April 18

🎶 Local music documentaries: Features centered on a prolific First Avenue DJ, '60s West Bank strummers and Prince run throughout the week, with unseen footage of the latter's Paisley Park parties closing out the festival. April 11, 12, 19

Be smart: While AMC may have 30 minutes of trailers, MSPFF ticket holders must arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid losing their seat, organizers say.