A Three-Day Festival of Original Films,
Workshops, and Gatherings for Filmmakers and Film Lovers
Norwalk, CT, November 20, 2024 - - The Norwalk Film Festival (NFF) returns for its fifth consecutive year in January 2025, celebrating the power of film with a dynamic lineup of Connecticut premieres, genre-spanning films, and a series of educational workshops led by professional filmmakers. The festival will run from Friday evening, January 10, through Sunday afternoon, January 12. The District Music Hall (formerly the Wall Street Theater) will serve as the main screening venue, with workshops and other events taking place at Space 67 Studios and The Norwalk Conservatory for the Arts. Filmmakers and audiences will have plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and be entertained, with special discounts available at local restaurants for ticket holders. Tickets now available here.
Currently, NFF’s leadership team, along with a group of dedicated volunteers, are reviewing films submitted through the international film festival platform, FilmFreeway. Films are judged based on originality, directing, writing, cinematography, performances, and overall production values. Special consideration is given to films produced in Connecticut or created by Connecticut filmmakers.
Previous years have seen participation from award-winning filmmakers with hundreds of audience members in attendance. This year’s submissions are especially promising, with films from filmmakers who have screened at prestigious festivals such as SXSW, Sundance, Hollywood Shorts, Hamptons International Film Festival, and Cannes.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate our 5th Anniversary,” said Sean Fox, President of the Norwalk Film Festival. “Our continued presence reflects the relationships we’ve built in the filmmaking community. Aside from the festival, our year-round creative meetups have definitely attracted filmmakers, creatives, and volunteers who truly make this festival possible. This year is shaping up to be our best yet.”
Two Compelling Screenings Confirmed at NFF 2025
As of now, NFF has confirmed the inclusion of two significant films, both of which address critical societal issues. The first, supported by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF), is Ratified, a documentary feature about the ongoing efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. The film portrays the struggle for constitutional gender equality as seen through the eyes of a multi-racial, multi-generational, bi-partisan coalition of activists who made Virginia the 38th and final state needed for ratification. Ratified aligns with FCCF’s Fund for Women & Girls, which was founded to meet the needs of women and girls across Fairfield County. “As equity and pay parity are the cornerstones of meeting those needs,” stated Lutonya Russell-Humes, Vice President, Grants and Programs at FCCF, “We are happy to support the screening of this timely film as we continue that fight today. Ratified is a case study in what happens when women build coalitions across race and backgrounds to do great things. It is also a case study on how much work is still before us!”
The film’s co-creator, Emily Best—an acclaimed film producer whose work has premiered at Sundance, SXSW, Slamdance, and Tribeca—will be present for the screening. Emily is also the Founder and CEO of Seed & Spark, the nation’s leading crowdfunding platform for independent filmmakers. She will conduct a filmmaker workshop as well as participate in a post-Ratified screening panel discussion. The discussion will be introduced by FCCF’s President & CEO Mendi Blue-Paca, with the conversation also including Lutonya Russell-Humes and others integrally involved in the film’s production. Further workshop details, screening times, and registration information will be available soon.
Additionally, NFF will host an invitation-only screening of I Hope It Helps!, a documentary feature produced by Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor/producer Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff’s Cinco Dedos Peliculas Production Company. Directed by Daniel Freed, this award-winning film humorously explores the promise and perils of artificial intelligence. The filmmakers will participate in a post-screening Q&A to discuss the film and the state of our industry & AI. Note: This event is by special invitation only, but you may send your contact details to info@norwalkfilmfestival.org to be placed on a list for potential ticket availability.
NFF offers a variety of ticket options, including full weekend passes, day passes, and individual tickets for the Saturday Ratified screening (full program details coming soon). Tickets can be purchased through District Music Hall, with discounts available for students. The festival kicks off with an invitation-only opening night party on Friday, January 10, but a limited number of tickets will be available to the public. To be added to the waitlist, please contact the festival at info@norwalkfilmfestival.org. Additional festival details, including selected films and workshop topics, will be announced in the coming weeks.
About NFF
The Norwalk Film Festival is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to sparking ongoing dialogues through the power of film and fostering connections within Connecticut's film and creative community.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 5th Anniversary Norwalk Film Festival lineup is finalized and workshop registrations open. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Questions or interested in getting involved? Reach out at info@norwalkfilmfestival.org.
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