Milwaukee Film has officially released the full online program guide for the 18th annual Milwaukee Film Festival (MFF26), presented by Associated Bank. Scheduled to run from April 16-30, this year's festival once again delivers an eclectic mix of local, national and international cinema, headlined by the world premiere of Ueck, a documentary about beloved Milwaukee figure Bob Uecker.
In addition to the geographic diversity, the 2026 lineup features a selection of award-winning shorts and feature-length films. Among the most anticipated screenings is the Opening Night screening of Ueck, which explores the life of the iconic Milwaukee Brewers announcer and baseball legend. This is one of four feature films making their world debut during the two-week event.
Beyond new releases, the festival will showcase newly restored classics and the return of popular traditions, including the Stop Making Sense dance party and live musical accompaniment by the Anvil Orchestra, this time with Buster Keaton’s 1926 film, The General. Also making its annual appearance: Cinebuds Live, with Dori and Kpolly hosting a screening of the 4K restoration of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.
“The 2026 lineup is a film smorgasbord with world premieres, emerging new artists and time-tested cinematic masters,” Milwaukee Film executive director Susan Kerns said in a release, adding that every day of the festival will offer a "new surprise" for audiences.
For the 11th year, Associated Bank serves as the festival's presenting sponsor. Marilka Vélez, senior vice president and senior director of marketing, emphasized that supporting the festival is an investment in the "stories, talent and creative energy" of the city. She noted that the arts are a powerful driver of economic vitality that helps fuel local businesses and bring the community together in meaningful ways.
Advance ticket packages and passes are available now, and other key dates and details for the 2026 festival include:
- April 2 — Physical program books become available at various locations and will be available for pickup at the Oriental Theatre starting that evening.
- April 6 — Individual tickets go on sale for Milwaukee Film Members.
- April 8 — Individual tickets go on sale for the general public.
- April 10 — In-person box office opens at the Oriental Theatre.
Screenings will take place at the historic Oriental Theatre and Downer Theatre, and film enthusiasts can begin planning their festival experience immediately by accessing the online program guide and full schedule of showtimes on the event’s webpage at Milwaukee Film. We also highlighted a few standouts below to get you started, with summaries provided by Milwaukee Film.
Milwaukee Film Festival 2026 highlights
Opening Night Film: Ueck
Thursday, April 16 | 7 p.m.
Oriental Theatre | Abele Cinema
Milwaukee legend Bob Uecker, the former Major League baseball player, Hall of Fame sportscaster, comedian and actor, saw it all and made us laugh along the way. Though Ueck passed away in January 2025, this documentary from Milwaukee-based filmmakers Michael T. Vollmann and Steve Farr is a testament to his legacy, giving audiences intimate access to his life, work, family and friends, amplifying his humor and heart for future generations.
Centerpiece Film: The Big Cheese
Friday, April 24 | 7 p.m.
Oriental Theatre | Abele Cinema
In the high-pressure world of international cheesemongering, Adam Moskowitz aims to send the first American to claim the top prize at the Mondial du Fromage competition in France. While the European model for this “sommelier of cheese” profession eclipses its stateside counterpart in societal support, Moskowitz — and his alter-ego, Mr. Moo — believe scrappy American ingenuity can take the wheel.
Stop Making Sense
Saturday, April 25 | 9:30 p.m.
Oriental Theatre | Abele Cinema
One of our most sacred MFF traditions returns, newly restored by A24. Make sure all aisles are clear for dancing as Jonathan Demme’s essential concert documentary chronicling multiple nights of propulsive performance from the iconic Talking Heads (including Milwaukee’s own Jerry Harrison) is sure to burn down the house once again.
Cinebuds Live: Labyrinth
Sunday, April 26 | 3:30 p.m.
Oriental Theatre | Abele Cinema
Milwaukee Film’s ongoing podcast partnership with Radio Milwaukee returns to the stage to celebrate the 40th anniversary of fantasy classic Labyrinth, Check out the beautiful 4K restoration, then stick around for a live recording of everyone’s favorite movie podcast.
Closing Night Film: Power Ballad
Thursday, April 30 | 7:30 p.m.
Oriental Theatre | Abele Cinema
When past-his-prime wedding singer Rick (Paul Rudd) meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves.
Newport & The Great Folk Dream
April 17, 27 and 28
Oriental Theatre
Before Coachella and Woodstock, there was Newport. From 1963 to 1966, the famed Newport Folk Festival brought together the likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger and more. Rare and previously unseen archival footage captures this charged moment when freedom songs met work songs, tradition met innovation, and the spirit of protest filled the air.
Black Zombie
April 18, 22 and 24
Downer Theatre
From the flickering screens of Hollywood horror, to the haunted cane fields of colonial Haiti, Black Zombie unearths the buried origins of the zombie, reclaiming it as a symbol of survival and spiritual resistance. This documentary is for all walks of life, horror fans or not, as it digs into common misconceptions around one of fiction’s most popular tropes and leaves you with a firm grasp on what “zombies” are and represent outside of fiction.
André Is an Idiot
Tuesday, April 21 | Downer Theatre
Thursday, April 23 | Oriental Theatre
André, a brilliant idiot, is dying because he didn’t get a colonoscopy. His sobering diagnosis, complete irreverence and insatiable curiosity send him on an unexpected journey learning how to die happily and ridiculously without losing his sense of humor. This Sundance Film Festival Audience Award-winning documentary is at once a hilarious portrait of an engaging character and a sobering reminder to us all about the importance of preventive medicine.
American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez
April 18, 27 and 28
Downer and Oriental Theatres
A documentary celebrating Chicano playwright’s life and legacy, from his work creating theater shows for migrant food workers to studio films like La Bamba and Zoot Suit. This Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner features interviews with legends like Edward James Olmos and Lou Diamond Phillips, who recognize the resounding legacy of Valdez and his influential work.