Milwaukee Film’s Two New Film Series to Start in January: Indie Breakouts and Let’s Dig In

MILWAUKEE – Thursday, December 19th – Milwaukee Film is gearing up for a new year chock full of cinematic experiences, and the 2025 cinema schedule is shaping up to be a great one. In January, the historic Oriental Theatre will screen a month-long celebration of independent cinema with a series called Indie Breakouts, and kick-off a six-month-long program of environmentally conscious films with Let’s Dig In.

Milwaukee Film’s programming team is thrilled to start the year off with a month-long retrospective of independent cinema that cleverly coincides with the annual Sundance Film Festival, featuring several breakout films from today’s well-known directors.

“As we look forward to the flashy premieres at this year’s Sundance Film Festival at the end of January, we wanted to have our own celebration of indie cinema right here at the Oriental Theatre,” enthused Milwaukee Film Programming Director Kerstin Larson. “Enjoy the breakout films from some of our favorite current filmmakers, back when they were still up and coming,” she summarized.

Indie Breakouts includes films such as We’re All Going to the World’s Fair from director Jane Schoenbrun, whose 2024 hit I Saw The TV Glow took the world by storm, the rambunctious sleeper hit Dinner in America, and the Milwaukee-based 1999 cult-classic documentary American Movie. A full lineup of films will be available at mkefilm.org/indiebreakouts.

Also starting in January is Let’s Dig In, a six-month-long series of films that are centered around the environment. Throughout the first half of 2025, Milwaukee Film is partnering with Beyond Organic 777 to offer audiences the opportunity to connect with nature through cinema, have meaningful post-film discussions with environmental experts, and even experience a farmers market in the Oriental Theatre lobby.

Milwaukee Film Artistic Director Cara Ogburn stated, “Welcome to Let’s Dig In, a film series that explores our planet’s ecosystems and the importance of sustainability. With these immersive documentaries (including a bunch of past MFF faves!), we intend to highlight the connection between humanity and nature, showcasing innovative solutions and inspiring resilience.” She added, “Stick around after the screenings for expert panel discussions and even a farmers market!”

See the full line-up of Let’s Dig In films here:

• THE NEED TO GROW – 1/4 at 12 PM
• KISS THE GROUND – 1/18 at 12 PM
• THE GARDEN – 2/1 at 12 PM
• HAPPENING: A CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTION – 2/15 at 12 PM
• THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM – 3/1 at 12 PM
• THE GRAB – 3/15 at 12 PM
• THE STORY OF PLASTIC – 3/29 at 12 PM
• COMMON GROUND – 4/12 at 12 PM
• FOOD, INC. 2 – 5/10 at 12 PM
• LAKOTA NATION VS. UNITED STATES – 5/24 at 12 PM
• 32 SOUNDS – 6/7 at 12 PM
• THE SEEDS OF VANDANA SHIVA – 6/21 at 12 PM

All Tickets and showtimes can be found online at mkefilm.org/comingsoon

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.