The Norwalk Film Festival returns for its fifth consecutive year in January 2025, celebrating the power of film with a dynamic lineup of Connecticut premieres, genre-spanning films, and a series of educational workshops led by accomplished professionals. The festival will run from Friday evening, January 10, through Sunday afternoon, January 12 in the Wall Street District.
Kicking off the event Friday night is Actor and Executive Producer Matthew Modine’s genre-bending AI film “I Hope This Helps!” making its Connecticut premiere at the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts. “Film and television shows have a unique power. They can turn on the light of knowledge and reveal important issues that help promote greater compassion, justice, fairness, and even spur us to try and make the world a more hospitable place,” said Modine. “My producing partner, Adam Rackoff, and I are thrilled to be participating in the 5th Annual Norwalk Film Festival on January 10 where we’ll present our new documentary film, I HOPE THIS HELPS! Directed by investigative journalist Daniel Freed, I HOPE THIS HELPS! takes a humorous, deep dive into the strange new world of artificial intelligence. We look forward to discussing the pros and cons of this insanely powerful technology that is rapidly advancing and will no doubt transform humanity.”
Mr. Modine and his co-Executive Producer Adam Rackoff will be in attendance and available for a post-film chat and Q&A, along with other intriguing panelists. Tickets are limited to this event and must email ticketing@norwalkfilmfestival.org to attend. Following the screening, at the same location, is our Opening Night party - come one, come all!
Saturday keeps the excitement up with the launch of our short film blocks at District Music Hall, this year featuring 57 films in total; many of which already are award-winners. This year’s submissions are especially promising, with films from filmmakers who have screened at prestigious festivals such as SXSW, Sundance, Hollywood Shorts, Hamptons International Film Festival, and Cannes. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our 5th Anniversary,” said Sean Fox, President of the Norwalk Film Festival. “Our continued presence reflects the relationships we’ve built in
the filmmaking community. This year is shaping up to be our best yet.”
Also on Saturday, not to be missed, is Seed&Spark founder Emily Best’s workshop ‘Crowdfunding to Gain Independence’ at Space67 Studios. Learn directly from one of the practice’s original pioneers. This workshop is free to attend by emailing events@norwalkfilmfestival.org.
Saturday night’s feature event is the screening of the documentary, “Ratified”, sponsored by Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls. An issue gaining a tremendous amount of news of late, this feature highlights the ongoing efforts to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. The film portrays the struggle for constitutional gender equality as seen through the eyes of a multi-racial, multi-generational, bi-partisan coalition of activists. Following the film will be a Q&A with filmmakers, FCCF, and national leaders.
Sunday morning at Space67 Studios is the launch of our filmmaking workshop called ‘The Work’: an intensive 4-part series on the day-to-day practice of filmmaking, all of it gleaned from seasoned professionals who roll up their sleeves to develop story, direct a casting, get the shots and master post. This workshop is also free to attend by emailing events@norwalkfilmfestival.org. Sunday evening will feature a closing night ‘Best of Fest’ block and Awards Ceremony.
For the screenings, NFF offers a variety of ticket options, including full weekend passes, day passes, and individual tickets for the Saturday ‘Ratified’ screening (full program details coming soon). Tickets and additional festival information (including venues and times) are available at norwalkfilmfestival.org/2025-festival.
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