THE GR FILM FEST IGNITES THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 19TH.
2025 FESTIVAL
September 19th-21st
Our 2025 Merch is here! Purchase your T-shirt For $25
Celebrate all WEEKEND long!
Kick off with our short block screening, panel discussions, and an exclusive networking event!
Join us for a fun evening of mingling with other filmmakers and creative minds.
OPENING NIGHT | FREE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH @ 7pm
Location : Two James Spirits (740 Michigan St NE Suite 100A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20th
24 HR FILM CHALLENGE - Win CASH!
Calling all aspiring Spielbergs! Think you can write, shoot, edit, and submit a mini-masterpiece in just 24 hours? Join the Grand Rapids Film Festival's fourth 24-Hour Micro Film Challenge at GRTV Studio. Grab your team (it's allowed!), unleash your creativity, and race the clock. Screen your film on September 21st – fame (and cash prizes!) await!
Start time: 10AM
Location: Wealthy Theater - 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Register now for $40 or $50 at the door.
Upcoming Workshops
Saturday
Intro to Podcasting
Saturday 9/19 12:30pm - 2pm
Location: Wealthy Annex
Discover what it takes to produce, record, and distribute your own original podcast. This workshop will cover soft skills like interviewing techniques and harnessing the nuances of audio storytelling, followed by hands-on practice with professional-grade audio equipment. By the end, you’ll have the training and tools you need to share your show with the world!
Distribution Workshop with Joel Potrykus
Saturday 9/19 12:30pm - 2pm
Location: Muse SE (501 Eastern Ave SE Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Joel Potrykus is an American film director and screenwriter. His feature film debut Ape won the Best New Director prize at the 2012 Locarno Film Festival.
Perfecting Audio Workshop with Troy Hale
Saturday 9/19 - 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Muse SE (501 Eastern Ave SE Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Learn how to take your sound from amateur to professional. Troy is a 33-time Emmy Award winner and has been nominated over 55 times for his work as a documentary filmmaker, and television journalist.
SCREENINGS, WORKSHOPS, and AWARDS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20th
Watch the big screen all day! Catch a dazzling array of films at the historic Wealthy Theatre. Dive into a cinematic adventure – doors open at 11am!
Afterwards, come join us for our Awards Ceremony at the amazing Muse in downtown. Winners for Best Film, Short Film, Music Video, Commercial, and 1-Minute Micro Film will be announced!
Locations: Wealthy Theatre & Muse SE
* Submitting filmmakers get 2 free weekend passes, including workshops. Plus, 50% off additional passes
SCREENINGS
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21st
The Celebration Theatre continues its film screenings today! Watch more amazing films at this charismatic theater both indoor and outdoor.
Screenings at Celebration Theatre 11 am - 4:30 pm
Filmmakers Q&A’s at 12 pm
Micro Film Challenge Screening & Live Judging 12:30-1:30 pm
We’ll See you There!
