4/2/2025 10 films to watch at the 2025 Cleveland International Film Festival before it ends

4/1/25 The projectors are rolling: CIFF49 kicks off with record crowds and new features, with more to come

4/1/25 Freshwater Cleveland: The projectors are rolling: CIFF49 kicks off with record crowds and new features, with more to come

3/31/25 Greater Cleveland Partnership: Lights, camera, community! The magic of the Cleveland International Film Festival Trailer

 3/31/25 'Lost & Found in Cleveland’ sets CIFF attendance record

The 49th Cleveland International Film Festival is officially underway through April 5th at Playhouse Square! ....

We enjoyed the last day of the Cleveland International Film Festival with Tadashi Nakamura's Third Act Film......

We've been posting about the Cleveland International Film Festival a lot....

Check out the awesome media coverage the films and filmmakers received during CIFF49. From local television stations to independent news sources to out of town digital outlets, we were amazed at how far some of these stories traveled. 

CIFF49 Media Coverage

Looking for the CIFF49 Film Guides? Here's how to get yours!

Get your CIFF49 Film Guides today. See new and independent film in Cleveland. Things to do in Cleveland. March 27 - April 5 in person at Playhouse Square.

CIFF49 Film Guide Locations | Cleveland International Film Festival

Where to Find CIFF49 Film Guides!

The wait is over! The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) proudly announces the complete lineup for its highly anticipated 49th season, CIFF49, featuring 300 exceptional films from around the globe.

Discover the spotlight films for the 49th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), featuring exciting world, North American, and U.S. premieres!  Explore 300 independent films from around the globe March 27 - April 13, 2025. Get your tickets now! 

CIFF, CIFF49, Cleveland International Film Festival, independent film, film festival, movie festival, film premieres, spotlight films, Marlee Matlin, Amy Landecker,  André Holland, Playhouse Square, Cleveland, Ohio, film tickets

CIFF49 Film Schedule Announced! | Cleveland International Film Festival

Lights, Camera, CIFF49!  Cleveland International Film Festival Announces 300-Film Lineup  

Programs Menu

FilmSlam® is the Cleveland International Film Festival’s (CIFF) media literacy program and mini-festival of films for students in grades 5-12. FilmSlam® provides students with the ability to evaluate and critique the messages they perceive when viewing films — while encouraging thought-provoking discussion, embracing curiosity and fueling creativity, and experiencing social emotional growth. 

FilmSlam® will take place at Playhouse Square: March 28 + 31 and April 1 - 4, 2025.

Can't wait until FilmSlam® at Playhouse Square in 2025?

 program and gain access to 15+ films per month during the academic year to share directly in your classroom!

FilmSlam® Streams (our virtual program for the classroom) -- Installments for 2025-2026 academic year beginning September 1, 2025!

FilmSlam® Streams is CIFF’s virtual media literacy program that allows educators to stream films directly in the classroom with their students. Each monthly installment includes 15+ films; study guides with an introduction to media literacy, curriculum links, discussion topics, post-screening activities and resources; and access to recorded Q&As with filmmakers. 

 how educators are incorporating the program into their curriculum!

Signing up for FilmSlam® Streams is easy!

Educators can enroll their class in FilmSlam® Streams today 

: Once CIFF receives your FilmSlam® Streams registration, you will be emailed a PandaDoc Agreement to sign in order to receive streaming access to the films.

: Once you’ve signed the PandaDoc form, you will receive an email on the first day of each month with access to the Google Drive Folder that includes Vimeo screening links, pre/post-viewing questions, and study guides.

**Please note: The 2024-2025 season of FilmSlam® Streams films concluded on March 31, 2025. The 2025-2026 season of the program is set to begin on September 1, 2025.

For reference, a list of CIFF48 2024-2025 FilmSlam® Streams films can be found 

 Films are available for the following programs:

Cultural Cinema LIGHT (specifically geared towards Grades 5-8)

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Accessibility Cinema

 to receive emailed updates regarding our FilmSlam Streams program.

FilmSlam® (our in-person program at Playhouse Square!)

For field trip planning purposes, please find our film program schedule 

. The list of titles and synopses of short and feature films screening at FilmSlam® at Playhouse Square can be found 

. Short film programs consist of 4-9 films.

All film programs will begin simultaneously at 9:45 AM and your morning will typically come to a close before 11:30 AM (some feature film programs may go until 11:45 AM).

Films include a study guide with discussion questions, project and research activity ideas, and resources for further study, and 

Each screening includes a 10 - 20-minute post-viewing Q&A session (filmmakers who are in town will be present to answer audience questions).

Students vote for the FilmSlam® Best Feature Film and Best Short Film, in which winners will be announced at our Closing Night Ceremony.

The following film programs* will be screening:

Cultural LIGHT Cinema - middle school + junior high

FilmSlam® tickets are $5 a student; teachers and chaperones are free! Tickets are free for students at CMSD, Akron Public Schools, and any students that qualify for free/reduced lunch. Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

All educators must reserve tickets for all screenings they plan to attend through our 

. Invoices will be generated within 48 hours based on the number of students you submit on your form; 

we recommend you secure signed field trip permission forms from your students, confirm your bus transportation, and retrieve any other school approvals prior to submitting the FilmSlam® reservation form

The deadline to make ticket reservations is March 21, 2025.

FilmSlam® Ticket Reservation Modifications and Cancelations

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to modify student numbers or invoices once you submit your reservation form, even if some of your students do not attend or you must cancel your field trip. As such, we recommend you secure signed field trip permission slips from your students, confirm your bus transportation, and retrieve any other school approvals prior to submitting your reservation

In the event you have more students joining you than your initial ticket order, you can submit a second ticket order that includes the number of additional students. A second invoice will then be sent to you for the additional students.

Invoices will be emailed to you within 48 hours of submitting your FilmSlam® ticket reservation form. We cannot update your FilmSlam® invoice after it has been issued.

Invoices must be paid in full OR a Purchase Order from your school must be issued to filmslam@clevelandfilm.org prior to your visit for your FilmSlam®

. Payment can be submitted via check, PO, or credit card to the following address or email:

If you would like to pay by credit card, please call our our Interim Education Director, Valerie Temple, at 216-623-3456 x. 13.

 20 minutes prior to your screening start time to give students adequate time to make their way to the theatre. We are unable to delay screening start times to accommodate late arrivals.

Please encourage students not to bring large backpacks or purses, as these will have to be  individually searched by Playhouse Square security upon entry into the building, which can take time. 

Every person entering Playhouse Square must enter through a security detector.

Film Festival films – including FilmSlam® films – 

 Some films selected to screen in FilmSlam® may contain strong language, unusual humor, and/or challenging topics and themes. 

We encourage educators to review the film synopses and study guides prior to arrival to prepare students for any topics.

Our Cultural ‘LIGHT’ program is appropriate for middle and junior high school students.

Schools are responsible for securing their own bus transportation to Playhouse Square.

 Buses should drop off students at KeyBank State Theatre (1519 Euclid Ave, Cleveland) and will be given directions on where to park for the morning by a CIFF staff member. More information on bus arrival, drop-off, and pick-up can be found 

If you are in need of funding support for bus transportation to FilmSlam® at Playhouse Square, we recommend reaching out to Ohio Arts Council’s 

, which supports school visits to arts and cultural activities. Please refer to 

 for helpful information as you put your application together!

CIFF will cover the cost of bus transportation for CMSD schools (first-come, first-serve). Information for how to schedule your bus will be emailed to you once you submit your ticket reservation.

What to expect during your FilmSlam® visit!

Upon entry into KeyBank State Theatre, students and educators will be directed to line up with the film program(s) you are scheduled to attend, and you will be escorted to your assigned theatre by CIFF staff and volunteers.

Upon entry to the theatre, all students will be handed FilmSlam® ballots to complete as they screen each film; these ballots are collected at the end of the program and are tallied to determine the FilmSlam® Best Short Film and Best Feature Film award winners!

; we encourage you to sit as a class group, but please note that CIFF does not reserve or section off specific seats for groups attending. In the event that you arrive late, Playhouse Square RedCoats will escort you to available seating in the theatre, which may or may not be as a group.

The morning will start off with some pre-film announcements about the films, FilmSlam® sponsors, and guest filmmakers, followed by the film screenings (

 there is no break between the films being screened, so students should use the restroom or get concessions prior to the start of the program).

At the end of the film screenings, we will host a post-screening Q&A. In some cases, filmmakers are present for the Q&A which is a great opportunity for them to hear directly from the students!

At the end of the Q&A, you will exit the theatre and your group can disperse for lunch in the area or to meet your bus driver at the designated pickup location.

FilmSlam® Concessions + Playhouse Square District

Concession stands will be open for students to purchase snacks and refreshments prior to film screenings. For those interested in arranging lunch in the District following your FilmSlam® screening, check out the 

For additional FilmSlam® resources, including parking information, film descriptions, study guides, and more, check out the 

, which will be updated with resources for CIFF49 on February 28, 2025. Study guides for films will be available approximately 2 weeks prior to your field trip visit.

Abington

Bruening Foundation

Building Heights Arts & Education

The Cleveland Foundation

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture

George Gund Foundation

Kiwanis Foundation of Cleveland

Ohio Arts Council

Overdrive

Richard & Julie Zsigray

We are so grateful for your continued participation, and look forward to welcoming you and your students to FilmSlam® at Playhouse Square!

For more information or questions, please contact Gabrielle Burrage, Education Director at 

FilmSlam® is the Cleveland International Film Festival's media literacy program and mini-festival of specially selected films for students in grades 5-12.

FilmSlam® | CIFF 49

FilmSlam® + FilmSlam® Streams

The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) reveals this year’s spotlight films to be featured in the line-up of 300 independent films from around the globe. The 49th season runs March 27 - April 5, 2025, at Playhouse Square, followed by CIFF Streams April 6-13, 2025. Explore the complete CIFF49 Film Guide starting February 28th at clevelandfilm.org.

This year's program, curated from over 3,500 submissions, is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking. With representation from 60 countries the program schedule offers diversity in cultural perspectives, storytelling styles, and visual formats.

Mallory Martin, Artistic Director for CIFF, says, "The Festival is an opportunity for artists and audiences to connect and converse about the stories that move us – often these are stories we wouldn’t have access to if not for the Festival.”

Providing a sneak peek into what is ahead at this iconic Cleveland event, Martin and her team reveal CIFF49’s highlights, including spotlight films, world premieres, North American premieres, and U.S. premieres. Several filmmakers are also planning to attend, making their travel arrangements now.

, “A Serious Man”) makes her feature screenwriting/directorial debut with this biting comedy of manners, starring as a newly divorced sober mom who accompanies her Gen Z date to a wedding where things crash and burn (literally) as she tries to keep up with the young wedding party. 

Directed byAmy Landecker.Produced by Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Valerie Stadler, Jenica Bergere, and James Portolese. English with Closed Captions. 2025. 

(Thursday, March 27 at 7:00pm, Connor Palace).

Centerpiece: MARLEE MATLIN: NOT ALONE ANYMORE 

- Marlee Matlin is an Oscar®-winning, Emmy-nominated Deaf actress, though fame came to her quite suddenly with her breakout performance in “Children of a Lesser God” at the age of 21. Learn how she fought through the naysayers and troubled, in-the-spotlight relationships to become a venerated philanthropist and a household name. 

Directed by Shoshannah Stern. Produced by Robyn Kopp, Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen, and Shoshannah Stern. English and ASL with Open Captions. 2024.

(Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30pm, KeyBank State Theatre)

 - André Holland (“Moonlight”), Nicole Beharie (“Miss Juneteenth”), and DeWanda Wise (

) strike a perfect balance in Rachael Abigail Holder’s sensitive, wryly funny dramedy about a trio of Black friends-slash-lovers who are just trying to cope in a rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn. 

Directed by Rachael Abigail Holder. Produced by André Holland, Kate Sharp, Patrick Wengler, Maurice Anderson, and Liza Zusman. English. 2025. 

(Saturday, April 5 at 7:30pm, KeyBank State Theatre)

 - For generations, the government has forcefully stripped away the rights and identities of the Esk’etemc, Gitxsan, and Wet’suwet’en territories within Canada, leaving behind unceasing ripples of trauma. But as this defiant documentary shows, they’ll never strip away these tribes’ souls. 

Directed by Zaya Benazzo and Maurizio Benazzo. Produced by Zaya Benazzo, Maurizio Benazzo, and Finley MacNeil. English with Closed Captions. 2024.

(Tuesday, April 1 at 5:15pm, Allen Theatre)

 - In this experimental omnibus documentary, filmmaker Catalina Alvarez paints a picture of small-town America as she chronicles the centuries-long history of Yellow Springs, Ohio. The stories, ranging from comical to disquieting and everything in between, point to a rich community demanding to be heard. 

Directed and Produced by Catalina Alvarez. English with Closed Captions. 2025. 

(Saturday, April 5 at 5:10pm, Upper Allen)

 - As the world teeters on the edge of destruction, a roadkill collector and an excommunicated priest make their way through an apocalyptic hellscape in search of a way out. From the director of the heralded werewolf drama “Good Manners”—CIFF42 comes another genre-busting masterpiece of the surreal. 

Directed by Marco Dutra. Produced by Lourenço Sant’Anna and Rodrigo Teixeira. Portuguese and Chinese with English subtitles. 2024. 

(Thursday, April 3 at 9:45pm, Upper Allen)

 - Acclaimed writer/director Milko Lazarov (“Ága”) spins this humanistic, magical realist yarn—marvelously shot by Kaloyan Bozhilov—about a quiet, widowed villager who must protect his extraordinary, gifted daughter from the scorn and pitchforks of superstitious locals. 

Directed by Milko Lazarov. Produced by Veselka Kiryakova. Bulgarian with English subtitles. 2024.

(Thursday, April 3 at 2:35pm, Upper Allen)

 - In snowy St. Petersburg, an unlikely friendship emerges amidst political upheaval when Georgian immigrant Madea purchases an apartment for a steal—only to realize she must share the space with the curmudgeonly old Russian owner. Rusudan Glurjidze’s haunted second feature deftly navigates the refugee crisis and what it means to have your life uprooted time and time again. 

Directed by Rusudan Glurjidze. Produced by Zurab Magalashvili, Manana Shevardnadze, Andrey Epifanov, Tanya Petrik, Jussi Myllyniemi, and UschFeldges. Georgian, Russian, and English with English subtitles. 2024.

 - Filmmaker Leila Amini followed her sister Nasreen around with a camera for seven years, capturing her covert mission to become a famous singer. But an unsupportive husband, family pressure, and Iran’s oppressive stranglehold on female expression threatens Nasreen’s happiness every step of the way. 

Directed by Leila Amini. Produced by Afsaneh Salari, Vadim Jendreyko, and Leila Amini. Persian language with English subtitles. 2024. 

(Friday, March 28 at 5:15pm, Allen Theatre)

 - In this taut psychological drama about the ripples of assault, a Turkish woman is attacked at a roadhouse while on her way to her wedding in Kosovo. But the festivities must go on, and we are observers to Gülizar’s emotional turmoil of what to do, who to tell, and how to hold your head up high. 

Directed by Belkıs Bayrak. Produced by Mehmet Bahadır Er, Belkıs Bayrak, and Murat Yaşar Bayrak. Turkish and Albanian with English subtitles. 2024.

 - In this claustrophobic thriller ripped from the headlines, newlyweds Olya and Taras are just getting settled into their new Kiev home when the Russians attack. Now they must stay perfectly silent within the confines of their apartment—cut off from the outside world—without tipping off the invading forces of their presence. 

Directed by Zhanna Ozirna. Produced by Dmytro Sukhanov. Ukrainian with English subtitles. 2024. 

MY CHEST IS FULL OF SPARKS (Mi pecho está lleno de centellas)

 - Life doesn’t always go as planned. After the death of the family patriarch, mother and child go separate ways to find themselves—she crosses the ocean to pursue the singing career she left behind, while filmmaker Gal realizes they are transgender—in this collage of video diaries. 

Directed by Gal S. Castellanos. Produced by Eduardo Esquivel, Omar Robles, Metzli Paulina Ibarra, and Gal S. Castellanos. Spanish and Turkish with English subtitles. 2024. 

(Monday, March 31 at 5:20pm, Mimi Ohio Theatre)

 - The remarkable adaptation of Shuang Xuetao’s novel marks the directorial debut of actor-turned-director Dong Zijian. When a diverted flight reunites Limo with a childhood best friend, An Delie, who no longer remembers him, their journey through snowbound northeastern China unlocks long-buried memories, forcing him to confront the lingering ghosts of his past in this poignant tale of friendship, family, and forgiveness. 

Directed by Dong Zijian. Produced by Juan Wan. Mandarin with English subtitles. 2024. 

(Wednesday, April 2 at 11:50am & Thursday, April 3 at 5:00pm, KeyBank State Theatre)

 - Nothing looms over a city like the presence of death. While investigating a mysterious series of sandstorms that have laid a permanent cover over the seaside, a journalist comes face to face with his wife’s ghost—a victim of the Algerian Civil War—in this haunting science-fiction drama. 

Directed by Dania Reymond-Boughenou. Produced by Jérémy Forni and Camille Chandellier. French and Arabic with English subtitles. Audio description. 2024. 

(Saturday, April 5 at 5:05pm, Allen Theatre)

In addition to this list of highlights, the Festival is proud to share that it will continue the longstanding tradition of celebrating Ohio films and filmmakers in the category of Local Heroes, in which filmmakers with regional ties compete for a prize of $7,500.

One of the largest and longest running festivals in the country, CIFF awards a total of $130,000 in prizes. Jurors include: 

Alejandra Martinez, Bilgesu Sisman, and Lediona Kasapi 

for the George Gund III Memorial Central and Eastern European Competition; 

Cassidy Dimon, Karim Ahmad, Set Hernandez 

for the Portrait Documentary Competition; 

Jourdain Searles, Zuri Obi, and Ingrid Raphaël 

Sharon Badal, Tiffany Alexander, and Jimmy Woody

, by phone at 1.877.304.FILM, or in person starting Friday, March 7th at 11:00 am ET for members, and Friday, March 14th at 11:00 am ET for the public. Tickets can also be purchased on site at the Film Festival Box Office in the KeyBank State Theatre Lobby at Playhouse Square (based on seat availability).

 Individual tickets for in-person screenings are $18 per person, with package deals available for those planning to see multiple films.

The CIFF49 Film Guide launches February 28th with details on 300 films. Find it online at 

 or pick up a physical copy at various locations, including public libraries.

Please note: CIFF members receive a printed Film Guide as a membership benefit.

CIFF members enjoy a range of benefits, including early access to tickets and parking passes, invitations to private special events, discounts on merchandise, and more. To learn about membership or to become a member, visit 

The Cleveland International Film Festival is generously supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The Festival also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically,1 through state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature.

About the Cleveland International Film Festival: Now entering its 49th year, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing the best in independent cinema. CIFF offers year-round programming, including the annual film festival, educational initiatives, and community screenings. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit us online at www.clevelandfilm.org (http://www.clevelandfilm.org)

Media Contact: Dahlia Fisher, dahlia@clevelandfilm.org

Discover the spotlight films for the 49th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), featuring exciting world, North American, and U.S. premieres!  Explore 300 independent films from around the globe March 27 - April 13, 2025. Get your tickets now!

CIFF49 Spotlight Films Revealed! | Cleveland International Film Festival

CIFF49 Spotlight Films Revealed!

The Cleveland International Film Festival is now accepting
submissions for CIFF49.

Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) Announces CIFF49 Call for Entries

The Cleveland International Film Festival is proud to announce the appointment of Hermione Malone as its new Executive Director.