2025 Festival Official Selections, Tickets & Schedule
The 5th Annual Bridgeport Film Fest plans to offer both in-person and virtual screenings, as well guest speakers from the entertainment industry and creative workshops for both youth and adults!
All events take place at the historic Klein Memorial Auditorium, unless otherwise noted!
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
All events take place at the historic Klein Memorial Auditorium, unless otherwise noted!
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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VIP Pass includes:
Weekend GA Ticket includes: Access to all films, workshops, panels and virtual programming all weekend* One Day Ticket includes: Access to all films, workshops, panels on a particular day of entry* VIRTUAL TICKETS Virtual Ticket includes all films unless otherwise noted. *BPT Creates Venue is limited seating and will be first come, first served! |
2025 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
All Screenings and Special Events are at the Klein Memorial Auditorium unless noted below in RED or ORANGE!
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The Klein Memorial Auditorium
910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport 06605 |
CT State Comm. College at Housatonic
900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport 06604 |
BPT Creates
1001 Main St UNIT 14, Bridgeport 06604 |
Thursday, September 11
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6:30pm-9:30pm
Film Fest Welcome Event at Artisan Stack Cafe Join us as we kick off the 5th Annual Bridgeport Film Fest with a special Welcome Event on Thursday, September 11. We’re bringing together filmmakers, artists, and community members for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Enjoy complimentary bites, music, and a red carpet moment to capture the excitement. Whether you’re here to meet new people, play games, or simply soak in the atmosphere, this gathering is the perfect way to start a meaningful weekend of films and festivities. |
Friday, September 12
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10:15am-11:00am
Filmmaker & Student Mixer At The Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic Come mingle and network with the Filmmakers over complimentary bites before the first block of the festival! 11:00am-12:30pm Block 1 | Against All Odds with Filmmaker Q&A* At The Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic An exciting 90 minute genre-bending stories of resilience. These films push boundaries, blending styles and emotions to highlight the triumph of perseverance in the face of adversity! 1:00pm-2:00pm Panel 1 | Creative Hustle: Making Moves, Making Connections At The Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic Hosted in partnership with the Connecticut Film and TV Alliance, this panel discussion highlights how filmmakers and all creatives can build genuine networks and claim a seat at the table. This conversation offers insights, strategies, and inspiration to support your creative journey. 2:15pm-3:45pm Block 2 | Fragments of Survival with Filmmaker Q&A* At The Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic A powerful 90-minute block of films that capture the raw, intimate, and unexpected ways people endure and adapt. These stories shine a light revealing how survival is often found in the smallest moments of strength and hope. 4:00pm-5:15pm Block 3 | Truth Heals with Filmmaker Q&A* At The Connecticut State Community College at Housatonic These films explore the strength and liberation that come from honesty, as characters step out of secrecy and into authenticity. 5:00pm-6:15pm VIP + Filmmaker Red Carpet Mixer At The Klein Memorial Auditorium 6:15pm-6:30pm BFF Welcome Address At The Klein Memorial Auditorium 6:30pm-8:15pm Block 4 | Local Love with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium These films celebrate Connecticut’s own voices and visions, showcasing stories created by local filmmakers or rooted in the heart of the Nutmeg State. From hometown pride to unique regional perspectives, this block shines a light on the creativity and spirit of our community. 8:30pm-10:15pm Block 5 | Beyond the Darkness with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Step into the shadows with chilling tales that blur the line between fear and fascination. This block of horror, thriller, and sci-fi films dares you to confront the unknown and discover what lurks just beyond the darkness. 10:00pm -1:00am Opening Night VIP After Party Location TBA *Must have a VIP Pass or purchase an additional ticket to this event. |
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Saturday, September 13
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10:00am-11:45am Block 6 | Emerging Voices: Student Shorts with Filmmaker Q&A^ At BPT Creates A film block highlighting young storytellers and how they view our times. ^Limited Seating. First come, first serve. 11:00am-1:00pm Production Assistant Workshop with Planet Female Media At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Interested in getting your foot in the door in TV and Film? Well then this workshop is for YOU! This hands-on informative PA workshop will prepare the aspiring Production Assistant for handling various roles in film/TV production. It will cover everything from set etiquette to setting up C-stands, and introduce participants to the myriad of tasks and responsibilities this entry level position requires. If you are ready to get your foot in the door of filmmaking, this workshop is for you! Facilitated by Ray Noia, Line Producer at The Sherri Show, and Dusty Noval, independent filmmaker, you will learn all you need to know to get started as a Production Assistant. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring writing materials for note taking! 12:00pm-1:30pm Block 7 | Unscripted: Documentary Shorts with Filmmaker Q&A^ Update: At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Our documentary film block offers a powerful mix of short films that span from intimate community stories to global conversations about the world we share. From uncovering local legends to spotlighting sports and social issues, these films invite us to see resilience, connection, and truth from fresh perspectives. 1pm-5:30pm Vendor Village Open + Food Trucks Available At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Join us at the 2025 Bridgeport Film Fest and be a part of our vibrant Vendor Village! This part of the festival is completely free to attend and packed with family-friendly activities. 2:00pm-2:30pm Block 8 | Land and Legacy: Stories from Palestine Presented in Partnership with the Boston Palestine Film Festival At The Klein Memorial Auditorium A powerful collection of films that illuminate the rich history, culture, and struggles of Palestinian life. Through intimate storytelling, these films explore the resilience, identity, and experiences of Palestinians both within and beyond their homeland. This block offers a poignant glimpse into the heart of Palestine, revealing stories that transcend borders and connect us all. 2:30pm-3:15pm Panel 2 | Resistance Through Art: Cinema as Social Justice This panel examines how filmmakers use storytelling to confront injustice and amplify marginalized voices. Discover the power of cinema as both an artistic expression and a force for change. At The Klein Memorial Auditorium 3:30pm-5:00pm Block 9 | Continuum: Love and Malice with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Continuum: Love and Malice explores the fragile line between tenderness and cruelty, showing how love and malice exist on the same spectrum of human emotion. These films dive into passion, betrayal, vulnerability, and resilience, reminding us that the deepest connections can both heal and harm. 5:00pm-6:00pm Red Carpet + Filmmaker Networking Hour | At The Klein Memorial Auditorium 6:00pm-8:00pm Spotlight Screening | Queens of the Dead | Connecticut Premiere At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Feature Film | Horror Comedy | 99 minutes directed by: Tina Romero featuring: Katy O'Brien, Jaquel Spivey, Nina West, Tomás Matos, Margaret Cho, Jack Haven, Cheyenne Jackson, Riki Lindhome and Dominique Jackson The stage is set for a wild night inside a Brooklyn warehouse party boasting drag queens, a fully stocked bar and loud music. But things start off rough with feuding performers, last-minute drop-offs and a highly stressed-out party organizer (Katy O’Brian) who’s struggling to hold everything together. She couldn’t account for the evening’s biggest problem, though: a sudden onslaught of flesh-eating zombies. As if trying to work together to execute a party wasn’t difficult enough, now a motley crew of big personalities and eccentric characters must put their bickering aside and stave off the walking dead outbreak. And then maybe, just maybe, if they can live long enough, it’ll finally be time to party. Interview with director, Tina Romero, daughter of Horror Legend George Romero here! 8:15pm-10:00pm Block 10 | Living OUT Loud with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Living Out Loud celebrates queer filmmakers and stories that boldly embrace authenticity, resilience, and joy. This block shines a spotlight on voices too often overlooked, uplifting LGBTQIA+ experiences with the power and visibility they deserve. 10:00pm-1:00am VIP After Party at Trevi Lounge! *All are welcome! |
Sunday, September 14
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10:00am - 12:00pm
Workshop | "Directing Actors: Crafting Character Through Collaboration" with Victor Verhaeghe At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Victor Verhaeghe, whose on-screen work includes Bridge of Spies, No Hard Feelings and television appearances in Law & Order: SVU, Boardwalk Empire, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, leads this immersive directing actors workshop. Join Victor as he guides directors and creatives on how to foster authentic connections with actors, build trust on set, and draw out powerful performances. You’ll step into real scene work rooted in collaborative techniques—sharpening your communication, deepening creative instincts, and strengthening synergy. Leave equipped with actionable tools to elevate both actor engagement and overall storytelling on your next project! 12pm-4:30pm Vendor Village Open + Food Trucks Available At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Join us at the 2025 Bridgeport Film Fest and be a part of our vibrant Vendor Village! This part of the festival is completely free to attend and packed with family-friendly activities. 12:00pm-1:00pm Filmmaker Networking Hour At The Klein Memorial Auditorium 1:00pm-2:30pm Block 11 | Her Work, Her Words with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium This lineup uplifts the voices of female storytellers, honoring the artistry and vision of women both behind and in front of the camera. Through diverse perspectives and powerful narratives, these films highlight women’s stories that demand to be seen, heard, and celebrated. 2:45pm-4:15pm Block 12 | Beautiful. Bold. Blackness. with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium From drama to laughter, from romance to music, these films showcase the full spectrum of Black creativity and storytelling. Uplifting Black voices both behind and in front of the camera, this block highlights diverse and inclusive perspectives that celebrate the richness and vitality of Black experiences. 4:30pm -6:15pm Block 13 | Whose America is This? with Filmmaker Q&A At The Klein Memorial Auditorium Posing the urgent question Whose America is this?, these films confront the complexities of belonging, identity, and representation. Through stories of immigration, queerness, Blackness, and diverse lived experiences, this block uplifts voices too often pushed to the margins and reframes America through a lens of inclusivity and social justice. 6:15pm-6:45pm Awards Presentation At The Klein Memorial Auditorium 7:00pm-9:30pm VIP After Party Presented by Colorful Bridgeport at Berlinetta Brewing *Must have a VIP Pass or purchase an additional ticket to this event. |
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Virtual Views: September 12-14
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Block 14 | The Pressure Cooker
The Film Fest Plus Virtual Platform Tensions rise in these stories of people pushed to their limits, navigating conflict, hardship, and high-stakes choices. Each film captures what it means to live under pressure, revealing the strength, vulnerability, and humanity that emerge when the heat is on. Block 15 | Compositions of Life The Film Fest Plus Virtual Platform From playful beats to soulful melodies, these films find music woven into the fabric of everyday life. Sometimes it’s a driving force, sometimes just an undercurrent, but always a reminder that sound and song can turn ordinary stories into something unforgettable. |