Nine Special Programs coming to the 63rd AAFF
The 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) will take place from March 25–30, 2025, at the Michigan Theater, and we are excited to share a preview of the special programs scheduled for the festival. Alongside our competitive screenings, this year’s special programs include a mix of feature films and short film programs, offering a range of cinematic experiences from both archival works and new releases.
Special Program Highlights
Wednesday, March 26
Analog Dreaming: A Jon Behrens Memorial 5 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room
This program celebrates the work of Jon Behrens (1964–2022), a filmmaker and composer known for his distinctive experimental approach. The collection of films on display explores light, color, and sound, reflecting Behrens’s contributions to avant-garde cinema.
50 Years of De-Evolution: The Restored Films of Devo (1976–1984) 7:30 PM | Michigan Theater Main Auditorium
In recognition of Devo’s 50th anniversary, this program features restored films and rare footage from the band’s early years. The screening will be followed by a discussion with founding band members Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, in conversation with preservationist Peter Conheim.
Thursday, March 27
What about China? by Trinh T. Minh-Ha (2022) 9 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room
This film offers a quiet exploration of rural China, examining the concept of harmony as an enduring value, and reflects on the relationship between humans, nature, and society through a lyrical, meditative approach.
Friday, March 28
Bodies in Motion and Film 7 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room
Curated by Screen Dance International, this program showcases dance films from around the world, highlighting the intersection of movement and cinema. These works celebrate both creativity and the diversity of dance arts.
Saturday, March 29
Tenacity 1 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room
This program features eight experimental shorts that explore themes such as impermanence and destruction through analog filmmaking techniques. These works highlight the ways in which imperfection and materiality can contribute to innovative artistic expression.
Devo 5:30 PM | Michigan Theater Main Auditorium
A recent documentary that traces Devo’s 50-year career, examining their evolution from art school provocateurs to pioneers of pop culture. Directed by Chris Smith (2024), this film includes rare archival footage and interviews with band members.
Constellations Super 8 (2000–2024) 7 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room Helga Fanderl’s Super 8 films are known for their in-camera craftsmanship. This program presents a selection of her works from 2000 to 2024, offering a visual collage of varying themes, lengths, and styles.
Sunday, March 30
SCREAM IT OUT OF YOU: Six Films by Luther Price 12 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room This program explores the work of Luther Price (1962–2020), whose experimental films addressed themes such as identity, decay, and the blending of pleasure and pain. His films remain influential in avant-garde cinema.
Naked Spaces: Living is Round by Trinh T. Minh-Ha (1985) 2 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room
This film examines the poetics of living in six different West African countries, blending ethnographic observation with non-linear narrative. Trinh T. Minh-Ha redefines the conventions of documentary filmmaking in this visually striking work.
With so many great programs to see, consider purchasing an AAFF pass this year or an AAFF membership with tickets or passes depending on the level– we can’t wait to see you at the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival!
Discover the complete 63rd AAFF lineup here
