Weyauwega International Film Festival Celebrates 15 Years of Independent Cinema

Weyauwega-The screen lights up again this week in downtown Weyauwega as the Weyauwega International Film Festival returns for its 15th year. From November 12 through 15, audiences will gather inside the Gerold Opera House for four days of independent films, live discussions, and community celebration.

Presented by Wega Arts, this year’s festival features 49 films from around the world, including a strong selection of Wisconsin filmmakers. Guests can relax with food and drinks from The Wega Bistro while taking in films inside the historic 1915 opera house that now serves as the heart of Weyauwega’s arts community.

“This event would not be possible without the help of all of our generous volunteers,” said Ian Teal, festival director and co-founder of Wega Arts. “There will be filmmakers here every day, and many of the screenings will include Q and A sessions with the creators.”

A Blend of Local and International Stories

Among the most anticipated titles is Shooting Stars, screening Saturday evening. The film was created by Wega Arts in collaboration with local high school students and marks the fifth student-led film project to premiere at the festival.

Opening night brings Barry Lyndon, Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 classic about ambition and downfall in 18th-century Europe. Closing night features The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Jacques Demy’s Technicolor musical that has charmed audiences for generations.

Psychofest Brings the Chills

Friday evening once again belongs to Psychofest, the festival’s annual salute to horror, science fiction, and thriller films. The program includes three feature I films and nine shorts, all paying tribute to Robert Bloch, author of Psycho, who once lived in Weyauwega and found inspiration for his famous novel from the Ed Gein case in nearby Plainfield.

Full Schedule

Wednesday, November 12

3:00 Bird Boy

4:30 PM – Short Films and Elderly the Documentary

6:30 PM – Barry Lyndon

Thursday, November 13

2:30 PM – No One Cares About Crazy People

4:15 PM – Short Films Two

6:00 PM – Wisconsin Short Films

7:45 PM – Green Blah: The History of Green Bay Punk Rock

Friday, November 14

3:00 PM – The Last Anniversary

4:45 PM – Interaction

7:00 PM – Psychofest Short Films

9:00 PM – Anywhere

Saturday, November 15

12:00 PM – Thoughts of Infinity

1:30 PM – Short Films Three

3:15 PM – Short Films Four

4:30 PM – Short Films Five

6:00 PM – Shooting Stars

7:30 PM – The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Passes and Festival Details

There are no individual tickets. Instead, attendees can come and go freely throughout each day with a festival or day pass.

Full Festival Pass: $60

Wednesday Pass: $15

Thursday Pass: $15

Friday Pass: $20

Saturday Pass: $20

Passes can be purchased at wegafilm25.eventive.org. All screenings take place at the Gerold Opera House, 136 East Main Street, Weyauwega.

About Wega Arts

Founded in 2007 by Kathy Fehl and Ian Teal, Wega Arts is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating new works in theater, film, and music. The group’s mission includes giving local youth a chance to explore the arts while building confidence and creative skills.

Donations to Wega Arts can be made through Venmo, PayPal, or by mail to:

Wega Arts, PO Box 50, Weyauwega, WI 54983.

A Small Town with a Big Screen

Now entering its fifteenth season, the Weyauwega International Film Festival has become one of Wisconsin’s most distinctive arts events, pairing global storytelling with local creativity. Whether you are a lifelong film lover or simply curious about something new, WIFF offers a reason to sit back, take in a story, and see the world from right here at home.