Founded in 1963 by University of Michigan professor George Manupelli, the Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest experimental film festival and the fourth-oldest film festival overall in North America. Held annually at the Michigan Theater, it is Oscar-qualifying and draws over 3,000 entries each year from filmmakers in more than 60 countries.
Its age and avant-garde identity make it a core Michigan film row.
The festival's identity as the oldest experimental film festival in North America gives it a lineage most film festivals cannot claim, launched originally as the 16mm Film Festival in an era when experimental filmmakers had few other venues willing to screen their work
Its early championing of artists who later became major cultural figures, including Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, and George Lucas, reflects a decades-long track record of identifying significant work before it reached wider recognition
Since 1964 the festival has also operated an annual traveling tour, sending a curated selection of short films to more than 30 art house theaters, universities, and galleries worldwide, extending its influence well beyond its home screenings at Ann Arbor's historic Michigan Theater
The festival's signature traditions are its competitive juried screenings open to experimental
and documentary work of any length
and its year-round traveling tour that carries selected festival films to dozens of venues worldwide
a format the festival has run since 1964
Dates TBA · Usually March
Downtown Ann Arbor is walkable.
Casual attire is standard for festival screenings at the Michigan Theater; no special dress is required beyond comfortable clothing for sitting through multiple film blocks across the week.
Ann Arbor Film Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.
Ann Arbor
Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.
USD
unknown
External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.
We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.
Ann Arbor Film Festival is listed for March · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.
The festival is listed in Ann Arbor, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.
Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.
Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.
Ann Arbor, MI
unknown
This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.
Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.
Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.
Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →
