The Milwaukee Underground Film Festival is a student run film festival devoted to showcasing independent, artist driven cinema. For fifteen years we have been programming filmmakers that defy convention in an attempt to amplify unheard voices. Our festival celebrates the potential of cinema to imbue a community with excitement, critical discussion, and open-mindedness through the presentation of new artistic forms.

Awards & Prizes

Each year a special guest jury hands out multiple awards.

Rules & Terms

1. We're looking for unique, independent, artist-made, subversive, weird, strange, underground, avant-garde, experimental, non-traditional films and videos! If you think your film might be "underground" (i.e. not "mainstream") in form or content, it probably is!
2. This festival focuses on short films, 30 minutes or less.
3. Multiple-projector/ expanded cinema/ installation proposals encouraged!
4. We'll watch and show any type of moving image project: narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, music video, essay, new media, etc!

Submissions Open: December 1, 2019
Final deadline: February 4th, 2020
Entry fee: $5 (students), $10 (general)

NOTE: Email us with questions and requests for waivers. Entry fee waived for filmmakers who have exhibited their work in previous editions of MUFF.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sofia Theodore-Pierce

    A real gem! Such thoughtful programming and compelling work all around.

    January 2021
    Helpful
  • Sara Bonaventura

    I never managed to attend the festival in person, but communication is always excellent. Programs are very interesting every year, being a basically student run effort, it seems to be growing with passion and commitment, as a great underground festival!

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Emma Piper-Burket

    Well organized, compelling programming, a great festival all around!

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Stephanie Barber

    wonderful program ! thank you. yes.

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Stephen Wardell

    Gracious hospitality and a cool venue. I was honored to have my film programmed in such an exciting, thought-provoking lineup. Thank you!

    May 2019
    Helpful