2023 Festival FAQ

Q: When is the 2023 festival happening?

A: Freep Film Festival will take place April 26-April 30.

Q: When will the festival reveal its film lineup and other programming?

A: Look for announcements about featured events and the full lineup, as well information on how to buy ticket, in March.

Q: Where is the 2023 festival happening?

A: The festival will feature a mix of in-person and at-home virtual screenings. In person, the festival footprint will be centered in venues in midtown Detroit.

Q: What’s in store for the upcoming festival?

A: Expect the best in documentaries – many with strong local connections – and conversations about the films and the issues they raise, informed by Free Press journalism. There also will be a mix of parties, free educational events and other stuff. The festival team is committed to creating the sort of festival environment you know and love.

We’ve already announced three key features of the 2023 festival:

• The festival will feature the local premiere of “Coldwater Kitchen,” the story of a dedicated chef who teaches high-end culinary skills inside a Michigan prison. Produced by the Detroit Free Press, “Coldwater Kitchen” made its world premiere in November at the prestigious DOC NYC festival, the largest documentary-focused fest in the U.S. (More info about “Coldwater Kitchen” can be found here.)
• Elvis Mitchell will hold the position as the Bob Allison (Allesee) Endowed Chair in Media at Wayne State University beginning in May 2023. In partnership with WSU, Freep Film Festival will feature programming in collaboration with the Highland Park native, WSU alum and current host of KCRW’s “The Treatment”. The weekly radio program produced by NPR’s flagship station in Southern California features Mitchell conducting in-depth interviews with the most innovative and influential people working in entertainment, art and pop culture.
• In partnership with American Citizens for Justice and members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, the festival will feature a film series focused on Asian American stories told by Asian American filmmakers. All the AAPI films in this series will be free to the public.

Q: What are the festival’s plans in 2023 in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Freep Film Festival will be taking a house-rules approach in 2023. That means we’ll be following the already-established protocols of our various venues. That also means our rules will vary from venue to venue. Each of our partners is taking a slightly different tack.

We’ll be asking our guests to pay careful attention to the rules we’re sharing via tickets, emails, the festival website and social media. We’re going to do our best to overcommunicate the various sets of protocols. But we’ll need our attendees’ help to make this work.

This is our plan as of late February, at the time the 2023 festival dates were. It’s possible the circumstances of the pandemic will change, and we’ll need to adjust our house-rules approach.Because our venues have instituted a variety of protocols, we think patrons with a variety of comfort levels should be able to find something that works for them. And for those who are not ready or able to attend events in person, several of the festival’s lineup will be available for at-home streaming.

Q: Is it possible to volunteer for the festival?

A: Yes! And we much appreciate you asking. We are looking for people who are friendly, enjoy answering a lot of questions and dig what the festival has to offer. Each shift will range from 3-4 hours, and we request that our volunteer can make time for at least two shifts. Volunteers will receive free access to a film screening for each shift worked, along with some festival merch. Plus you’ll get to hang out with your fellow film lovers! For more information, contact Freep Film Festival Operations Director Caitlin Drzewiecki at cdrzewieck@gannett.com.

Q: Where can I keep up with updates as they are announced?

A: All of our news will be gathered at freepfilmfestival.com. We’re also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, you can sign up for our email newsletter on the home page of this website.

Q: Are sponsorship and partnership opportunities available?

A: Definitely. We’d love to talk. Email Freep Film Festival Engagement Director Jewel Gopwani at jgopwani@freepress.com.

Q: I have further questions. Whom should I contact?

A: Email us at freepfilmfestival@freepress.com, and we’ll get back to you.