I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how resilient and supportive the filmmaking community, and our community in general, has been. 

Even after a global pandemic, crippling strikes, and major cuts in arts funding, the magic of moviemaking endures and remains as vitally important as ever. 

That’s proven throughout this year’s diverse lineup, and it’s certainly reflected in our opening night feature, Hamnet from Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, MVFF43). The Oscar® winner’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s stirring novel stars the incredible Jessie Buckley—whom we are pleased to honor with a Spotlight and MVFF Award the afternoon after opening night with an encore screening of the film and onstage conversation. Zhao’s drama is one of the most emotional films I’ve experienced in years, and it’s an ideal selection to kick off our annual 11-day celebration of film and talent.

I’m equally thrilled to introduce you to the work of remarkable up-and-coming filmmakers, such as Shih-Ching Tsou, co-writer and director of Left-Handed Girl, co-written by Sean Baker (Anora, MVFF47; Red Rocket, MVFF44), and actors, like the sensational Tonatiuh, breakout star of Kiss of the Spider Woman. We’ll continue to showcase the exciting work of accomplished directors, like Luca Guadagnino’s (Queer, MVFF47; Call Me By Your Name, MVFF40) conversation starter After the Hunt and Clint Bentley’s soulful Train Dreams, and unforgettable performances from beloved actors, like The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere and Colin Farrell as a down-on-his-luck gambler in Macau in Ballad of a Small Player.

Expect to “rock out” not just over those offerings but also at our Centerpiece screening when members of Metallica join us for Jonas Åkerlund’s rousing fan-focused documentary Metallica Saved My Life.

Indeed, indie filmmaking still rocks and continues to help all of us roll right through the tough times—together.