Tickets are now on sale! Browse this guide for what’s new and what you need to know about Ann Arbor Film Festival.
What to Know
Devo to Highlight 63rd Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival
Devo’s history with the AAFF runs deep. Their film, In the Beginning Was the End, debuted at the 15th festival in 1977, a milestone that helped launch their career and secure a record deal. Don’t miss these Devo highlights!
50 Years of De-Evolution: The Restored Films of Devo (1974-1984)
March 26, 7:30 PM
This special program features the band’s restored video artworks, offering a glimpse into their creative genius. Founders Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh will join restorationist Peter Conheim for a post-screening discussion and Q&A. Buy tickets.
Special Feature Documentary: Devo by Chris Smith (2024)
March 29, 5:30 PM
Dive deeper into Devo’s legacy with never-before-seen archival footage and interviews. This revealing documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Chris Smith relishes the highs, lows, surreal moments, and incredible performances of the group’s 50-year career. Buy Tickets.
Schedule & Programming
The 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival will take place in person at the historic Michigan Theater from March 25-30, 2025, with two online awards programs running from March 30-April 13, showcasing selected award-winning films for global audiences.
The festival features Films in Competition, short film programs of submissions under 60 minutes; Features in Competition, showcasing single feature-length films or paired features and shorts; Special Programs, curated thematic selections not in competition; and Off The Screen (OTS), presenting new media, live performances, installations, and discussions throughout the festival. Explore programming and view the full schedule.
Buying Passes and Tickets
Now on sale! Find the package that’s right for you.
- Full Festival Pass: Access to all in-person events, opening night party, screenings, after-parties.
- Festival Combo Pass: Full festival pass access plus online access to the Awards Programs.
- Weekend Festival Pass: Access from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30.
- Individual Showings: General admission seating to any film.
- Special Events: Opening Night Party & Screenings.
- Online Awards Programs: Enjoy the festival online until April 13.
Get your passes and tickets now!
Film Fest FAQ
Are films appropriate for all ages?
Films are not rated and some material may be more appropriate for adult audiences unless specified. The Films in Competition 9: Almost All Ages (6+) program suits a wide variety of viewers. March 30th at 1:30pm. Buy tickets.
How else can folks support the Film Fest?
Support the festival by becoming a member, donating, or by exploring volunteer and job opportunities. Click here to get involved.
Where can I learn more about this historic film festival?
Uncover the history of AAFF, plus notable guests and contributions through the years. Click here for AAFF history.
Some films have imagery of a stroboscopic nature and may affect photosensitive viewers.
About Ann Arbor Film Festival
Founded in 1963 by George Manupelli, the Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America, providing a vital platform for alternative filmmakers and artists. Renowned for showcasing pioneering work—including early films by Kenneth Anger, Brian DePalma, Devo, Barbara Hammer, George Lucas, Yoko Ono, Gus Van Sant, Agnès Varda, and Andy Warhol—the AAFF remains a premier forum for bold, visionary cinema. As one of the few Academy Award–qualifying festivals in the U.S., it directly supports independent filmmakers by awarding films that may not find commercial distribution. For the 63rd AAFF, 2,642 films from 93 countries were submitted, with 112 films selected for competition, including 8 features, 14 shorts programs, 3 juror programs, 4 performances, and 9 special programs. This year, the festival will distribute $39,000 in cash and in-kind awards.
Explore more of the Film Fest's schedule details, after-parties, and shop for merch: AAFilmFest.org.
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