Can’t believe that the Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) is less than 10 days away!! The Twin Cities has been blessed with glorious weather, no sign of the white stuff (aka snow, in case you’re wondering) as temps are well above normal. A few weeks ago, TCFF unveiled the complete lineup filled with exciting buzz-worthy films amongst the 140+ movies (features and shorts) that will screen Oct. 17-26 in a hybrid format.

Celebrity appearances will include actress Daisy Ridley and Tom Bateman on October 21 presenting the Centerpiece film ‘Magpie.’ I’m a big fan of Tom Bateman, I’ve pretty much seen all of his TV and film work, love his performance in Beecham House (I’m still sad it got canceled prematurely!), Vanity Fair, and Behind Her Eyes (an eerie psychological thriller on Netflix). He’s terrific in Kenneth Branagh’s Agatha Christie adaptations Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile, as well as Ron Howard’s Thai cave rescue film Thirteen Lives.

I love that TCFF is a huge champion of indie films and indie filmmakers. So while I can’t wait to see some of the bigger studio-backed movies (i.e. Conclave, Unstoppable, Nightbitch, and Blitz), every year I get super excited about uncovering those little hidden treasures that you can only find at film festivals. With that in mind, I’m going to share 10 indie films that you definitely shouldn’t miss at this year’s fest. As I do every year, I’m placing a special focus on female-focused and female-directed films (marked with * next to the title), so here they are in random order:

1. A Little Family Drama*

Directed by: Nadia Zoe

Thee Sepulveda family reunites to revive a cherished tradition in honor of their late grandfather. But as they come together, long-held secrets and simmering tensions threaten to unravel their close-knit bonds. The biggest revelation: matriarch Anselma’s risky move to help her grandson Matias puts their family restaurant and livelihood at stake, forcing them all to reassess their roles within the family.

I love comedies about dysfunctional families and the trailer made me laugh. This movie promises a heartwarming and funny family drama that’s perfect to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (or any time of the year really).

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/a-little-family-drama/

2. Bob Trevino Likes It*

Directed by: Tracie Laymon

When lonely 20-something Lily Trevino accidentally befriends a stranger online who shares the same name as her own self-centered father, encouragement and support from this new Bob Trevino could change her life. Inspired by a true story.

I love John Leguizamo and he seems perfectly cast as a childless older man who strikes a friendship with a young woman who’s searching for her estranged dad on Facebook. The story draws from the experiences of writer-director Tracie Laymon in her first feature film. As someone who grew up without knowing my dad until much later in life, this film would likely strike a chord with me.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/bob-trevino-likes-it/

3. Boundary Waters*

Directed by: Tessa Blake

Twelve-year-old Michael explores the Boundary Waters with friends. One night, his mother gets severely injured. Michael grapples with becoming a man while navigating a world where men inflict harm, determined to rectify the situation.

There are a plethora of coming-of-age movies out there but the main draw for me on this one is that it was filmed in the Iron Range of Minnesota, the town of Ely specifically. It reminds me a bit of The Kings of Summer which I also saw at TCFF a few years ago.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/boundary-waters/

4. La Cocina

Directed by: Alonso Ruizpalacios

In the heart of a bustling Times Square kitchen, dreams and desperation collide as the staff each chase the elusive American dream.

Kitchen life stories are en vogue thanks to the popularity of The Bear series, but there is something so intriguing about the grueling, survival-of-the-toughest where work-life balance is practically non-existence. La Cocina brings a deeper intensity to the narrative, exploring the tough journey of immigrant kitchen workers who are fighting to make ends meet.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/la-cocina/

5. Magpie

Directed by: Sam Yates

When Ben and Anette’s daughter, Matilda, is cast in a film, alongside glamorous movie star, Alicia, Ben is quickly drawn into Alicia’s world. As Ben becomes more intoxicated with Alicia, Anette is left at home with the baby, pushed to her emotional limits and psychologically on the brink.

I have the pleasure of seeing Magpie already via online screener and it’s an effective, atmospheric neo-noir thriller. Daisy Ridley is excellent in the role and it’s great to see Shazad Latif in a prominent role as well. I’ve mentioned above that I’m a big fan of Tom Bateman who wrote the screenplay, well let me just say he’s got a backup plan as a screenwriter if he decides to quit acting. I sure hope not though as I think he’s a talented actor. Who knows maybe we’d get a future Ridley-Bateman reunion (after co-starring in Murder on the Orient Express).

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/magpie/

6. Out of Time*

Directed by: Alison Guessou

In a high-stakes power struggle, Mona Cress embarks on a harrowing journey through the corridors of corporate greed as she navigates betrayal, deception, and personal redemption. While overcoming insurmountable odds and uncovering the truth behind the pharmaceutical industry’s darkest secrets, she is forced to confront her own past and the sacrifices she must make to protect her family.

I’m so excited for my friend Alison that her film is premiering at TCFF! The former MNWIFT president is such a talented writer/director, and I’m looking forward to seeing a talented MN-based cast that make up the film, especially Charla Marie Bailey and Lori Roovers.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/out-of-time/

7. If That Mockingbird Don’t Sing*

Directed by: Sadie Bones

After a brutal dumping, 17-year-old Sydnie realizes she is pregnant. She decides to use it as a chance to get her ex back and give her life direction but soon realizes it won’t be the quick fix she had hoped for.

Usually, movies about teenagers are made by directors who are quite a bit older, but this one stands out because the director, Sadie Bones, was just 18 when she filmed this. As a big supporter of women in film, I’m glad to see young filmmakers stepping up and tackling subjects that really resonate with their fellow Gen Zers.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/if-that-mockingbird-dont-sing/

8. Days When the Rain Came

Directed by: J Mills Goodloe

Days When The Rains Came is a female-driven coming-of-age story that follows a woman in her forties who is stuck in the mundane routine of family life. When her father falls ill, she returns home to take care of him, and in the process, she’s forced to confront the complexities of her relationships with her sisters and an ex-high school boyfriend and grapple with the choices she’s made in her life.

It’s always fun to see Minnesota-connected films premiering at TCFF. This one is written by Minnesota-born Marisa Coughlan, inspired by her own life. Filmed in MN, she also stars in the film along with Beau Bridges and Eliza Coupe. The cast also includes familiar faces from the talented MN acting community: Gwen Ruhoff, Brittany Benjamin, Justen Jones, and even TCFF’s former managing director Bill Cooper!

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/sneak-peek-days-when-the-rains-came/

9. Adventure Tom

Directed by: Miguel Duran

Tom, an unhappy artist, has to fly to Minneapolis when he learns his mother has died. Lilly, an accountant, is on the same flight. Lilly has an incident on the plane and ends up on the no-fly list. Tom is driving home because he hates flying. They agree to go together. Once they’re on the road, Lilly convinces Tom to take a more scenic route. The two of them discuss their lives as they get to know each other. The two reflect on their journey when they reach the Grand Canyon, and the large un-known future ahead of them

I quite like road trip movies and chance encounters, and this film merges the two in an amusing fashion. Placing Tom’s journey through grief against the stunning scenery of America’s national parks promises a fascinating juxtaposition.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/adventure-tom/

10. Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts

Directed by: Shaun Seneviratne

Ben Santhanaraj journeys to Sri Lanka to rekindle his relationship with Suzanne Hopper, an American NGO worker, after a long separation. But when Suzanne’s boss demands she work during their vacation, their love is tested by a dilemma: desire versus duty.

Just reading this premise makes me want to see this movie instantly! Anyone who has ever had a long-distance relationship can relate to this and the setting in the exotic land of Sri Lanka adds extra appeal. I read in this article that filming took fourteen years (wow!) and it began as a short film. The article mentioned how the personalities of the two lead actors were intentionally woven into their characters, giving them an added sense of realism.

Get your tickets » https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/film-fest-movie/ben-and-suzanne-a-reunion-in-4-parts/

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Tickets and the 2024 Twin Cities Film Fest Pass are now ON SALE!!

Don’t miss out, a few screenings are already sold out!

BROWSE THE FULL 2024 LINEUP »

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Any thoughts about the movies listed above? Let’s hear it!

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