Did you know that every year our small little town of Winona, Minnesota features a world-renowned event? The Frozen River Film Festival (FRFF) is an organized festival where filmmakers around the world share their work in the event. Films vary from world issues to nature films. This event is open to the public and helps you explore the world without leaving the chair you’re sitting in.
The FRFF is a three day celebration that occurs February 27-28. Community members of Winona to filmmakers around the country come to celebrate the feature of their documentary on a specific topic. During each film set there is a chance for everyone to interact and have a discussion revolving the film.
I am thankful for becoming an intern within the festival. I have previewed the documentaries that FRFF filmmakers are providing this year. The films are based on various sides or views about a transgender child being bullied, or to the sake of suicide at a very young age, to a background story of Dinkytown at the University of Minnesota. The films are targeted at the audience for an insight of something they may have never specifically encountered but would like to know more about.
The festival is open to the entire community and encourages students to join in on the festivities. FRFF is held on campus at the Science Laboratory Center (SLC), Somsen Hall and Miller Hall. The SLC will be the hubbard of all communication throughout the festival including snacks, information on films, and possible filmmakers there to answer more questions. Prior to the weekend, FRFF provides free events throughout the community. For more information on those check out their website at frff.org. (insert link: frff.org ) FRFF will also be apart of this year’s Winter Carnival on February 13th from 12-2 pm, where they will be sharing extreme sports videos on Lake Winona.
Tickets are now on sale varying from full year passes to daily passes. Winona State University, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Minnesota State College-Southeast Tech students receive a free ticket with the proof of a valid student ID, so don’t forget it! For any other information check out the website again at frff.org or I am more than willing to update you with the festival by emailing me at nola.johnson@frff.org.