The 63rd annual Ann Arbor Film Festival returns March 25-30 at the Michigan Theater in downtown Ann Arbor, bringing together filmmakers from around the globe. The annual film festival, the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America, celebrates cinema while showcasing Michigan’s local talent.

The six-day festival showcases 112 films of various lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, fiction and performance-based works. About 2,800 films were submitted for competition at this year’s festival. The festival regularly receives submissions from filmmakers in 100 countries.

The festival kicks off March 25 with an opening night party in the Michigan Theater’s Grand Foyer, featuring food and drinks from Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Café Zola, Frita Batidos and others, as well as live electronic music from Alvin Hill. Opening night also includes a mix of experimental, narrative and animated films. 

In addition to film screenings, the festival offers its Off the Screen series, which includes video art, live performances and panel discussions. Free workshops and installations will be ongoing throughout the week, offering attendees a chance to engage with artists and filmmakers. 

One Detroit’s Chris Jordan spoke to Ann Arbor Film Festival Executive Director Leslie Raymond and Detroit filmmaker Joanie Wind, whose short film “Simulacrumbs” is being shown during the festival’s opening night program.