The Ely Film Festival is a promise of exposure, exploration, and cultural enrichment, and we invite you to bring your creative energies! It’s an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of our shared stories, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Neighbor to Neighbor: Sharing Our Stories

Ely's State Theater

3:00 PM

Those of us who live here, in Northeast Minnesota know how to survive a cold winter and how to cultivate squash and tomatoes, despite a short growing season. Routines are set and potlucks are attended. One neighbor plows and another brings brownies over to the new family on the block. But how did we get here and what drives us to live in such a way? This block explores our own relationships and stories, and the way our past interacts with our present and future. Hear reflections from your neighbors, including Lonnie Dupre, Lacey Squier, and Dave Hicks.

Buy Tickets

So You Think You're Funny?

Greenstone Cinema

4:00 PM

The best laughter comes when we’re with friends, doing something we love. These filmmakers uplift and celebrate that experience! This block showcases the joys for a shared passion amidst pals.

Opening Ceremony, Electric Indian & Keith Secola Performance

Ely's State Theater

6:30 PM

Our traditional EFF Opening Ceremony will take place in the State Theater on Thursday, March 13th at 6:30 PM (please note the time change from 7 PM). We will kick off with a performance from Waabani Noodin Drum, remarks from Indigenous cultural leaders & representatives from Ely Film Festival and Ely's Historic State Theater, followed by a showing of the regional documentary film Electric Indian. Filmmaker Leya Hale will be in attendance, with a special appearance by Keith Secola who scored the film! Q&A after the film will be followed by a live concert with Keith Secola and friends. A documentary from filmmaker Leya Hale, The Electric Indian follows Ojibwe hockey legend, Henry Boucha. A stand-out hockey star from Warroad, Minnesota, Boucha impressed on the ice from the 1969 Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament to the 1972 Olympics to the NHL, but an on-ice assault and injury ended his athletic career that unexpectedly led to a journey of healing and cultural reclamation.

Buy Tickets

Never Not Yours

Greenstone Cinema

8:00 PM

30ish siblings Michael, Ellie, and James drive to their family cabin to visit their parents Jonathan and Maddie. But when their mom and dad unexpectedly announce their divorce, chaos ensues.

Date: March 12 - 16, 2025