Opening Night at the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival: A Night of Film, Music & Celebration
March 19, 2025
The wait is over—it's time to kick off the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival in style! Tuesday, March 25, marks the beginning of six days of groundbreaking cinema, and we’re starting things off with an unforgettable Opening Night Party, a stellar film program, and a lively after-party.
Start the Night in Style: Opening Night Party (6:30 – 8 PM, Michigan Theater Grand Foyer)
Join us in the Michigan Theater Grand Foyer for a pre-screening celebration featuring delicious bites and drinks from some of Ann Arbor’s finest local businesses. Savor flavors from Ann Arbor Distilling Company, Café Zola, Frita Batidos, Hear.Say Brewing, Mothfire Brewing Co., Sava’s, Teahaus, Venue by 4M, and Vinology. As you mingle with fellow film lovers, enjoy the live electronic sounds of alvin hill setting the perfect tone for the evening.
Opening Night Party Ticket Prices:
$85 – General Admission
$60 – Seniors / AAFF & MTF Members
$50 – Students
(Bonus: Your party ticket includes admission to the first screening of the festival!)
Films in Competition 1Â (8:15 PM, Michigan Theater Main Auditorium)
After the party, take your seat in the Main Auditorium for Films in Competition 1, a curated selection of experimental, narrative, and animated works that promise to surprise, challenge, and inspire. Expect a mix of mesmerizing visuals, thought-provoking themes, and bold storytelling, including:
Purgatorio Stephanie Miracle, Auden Lincoln-Vogel & Philip Rabalais (USA)
Sie puppt mit Puppen (She Dolls with Dollies)Â Karin Fisslthaler (AustrialNORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
Simulacrumbs Joanie Wind (USA)WORLD PREMIERE
The Moving Garden Inês Lima (Portugal)NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
The Last Thing I Think I Saw Justin Kaminuma (USA)WORLD PREMIERE
Fotorevolte Jule Körperich (Germany)
Space Invaders: The Ship Karnak Luciano Zubillaga (China)WORLD PREMIERE
Dinner Building Carter J. Hiett (USA)
In memoriamDiversion Joseph Bernard (USA)not in competition
Films in Competition 1Â
Screening-Only Ticket Prices:
$14 – General Admission
$10 – Seniors
$8 – Students
Keep the Celebration Going: Knight’s After-Party (9:30 – 11:30 PM, 600 E Liberty St) - Free!
Cap off Opening Night with drinks, conversation, and the smooth sounds of the Jonathan Hammonds Trio at Knight’s After-Party. This free event is the perfect chance to discuss your favorite films, connect with filmmakers, and soak in the energy of the festival’s first night.
With incredible films, delicious food and drinks, and a community of passionate film lovers, Opening Night at AAFF is an experience you don’t want to miss. Get your tickets now, and let’s make the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival one to remember!
Be sure to get your tickets to the Opening Night Party today!
