Movie lovers in Minnesota have plenty to look forward to as the Twin Cities Film Fest returns with more than 110 films through October 24, 2026. The 17th edition brings together acclaimed actors, anticipated releases, independent productions, documentaries, and special anniversary screenings. From a star-studded opening-night film featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell to a special 10th-anniversary screening of Moonlight and a closing-night comedy starring Richard Kind and Paul Raci, the lineup offers something for different tastes. Here are seven screenings and notable names to keep on your radar.
Wild Horse Nine Opens the Festival With John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell
A film festival’s opening-night selection sets the tone, and the Twin Cities Film Fest is starting its 2026 edition with a new project from acclaimed filmmaker Martin McDonagh. Wild Horse Nine, from Searchlight Pictures, stars John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, and Parker Posey. The story follows CIA agents Chris, played by Malkovich, and Lee, played by Rockwell, as they undertake a mission that tests their trust in one another. The journey runs from Santiago, Chile, to Easter Island in 1973, giving the film a historical setting for its espionage drama. McDonagh, known for films including Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin, brings a notable creative pedigree to the opening selection. The film is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, with multiple screenings listed by the festival, including a sold-out showing. Its high-profile cast and director make it one of the event’s biggest draws.
Josephine Brings Channing Tatum to the Festival’s Awards-Contending Lineup
Big-name actors often attract attention at a festival, but the film itself is what makes a screening worth seeking out. Josephine, starring Channing Tatum, is among the acclaimed awards contenders highlighted in the Twin Cities Film Fest’s 2026 announcement. The film is scheduled for Friday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the festival’s theatrical program. Tatum has built a varied career across comedy, drama, action, and independent projects, making his involvement a point of interest for audiences following his work. The festival’s selection places Josephine alongside other anticipated titles in a program of more than 110 films. The published lineup identifies the film as a Sumerian Pictures release, but its brief announcement does not provide enough verified plot detail to describe the story further. For moviegoers planning their festival schedule, the October 16 screening is an opportunity to catch one of the event’s highlighted feature films on the big screen.
Give Me the Ball! Spotlights Tennis Legend Billie Jean King
Sports documentaries can tell stories that reach well beyond the scoreboard, and Give Me the Ball! brings one of tennis’s most influential figures into the festival lineup. The film features Billie Jean King, the former champion whose career and advocacy helped change the conversation around women in professional sports. King’s achievements include winning 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, as well as playing a central role in the fight for equal recognition and pay for women athletes. The documentary is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 5:15 p.m., and is listed as an ESPN release. Its inclusion gives the festival a sports-focused selection alongside its dramas, comedies, and other nonfiction films. For viewers interested in the history of women’s athletics, King’s life offers a compelling subject whose significance extends beyond tennis. The festival’s listing confirms her connection to the film, although viewers should consult the official film description for further details about its particular focus and approach.
Moonlight Returns for Its 10th Anniversary With Special Filmmaker Insights
Some films deserve another look after their initial release, and Moonlight is returning to the festival for a special 10th-anniversary presentation. The Academy Award-winning drama, directed by Barry Jenkins, follows a young Black man named Chiron through three stages of his life as he navigates identity, family, friendship, and belonging. The film received widespread critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Picture, along with awards for Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali and Best Adapted Screenplay for Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney. The Twin Cities Film Fest has scheduled a restored 4K anniversary screening for Sunday, October 18, at 4 p.m. The event is listed as a members-only screening and promises exclusive post-credit, behind-the-scenes insights from Jenkins and composer Nicholas Britell. Britell’s score was an important part of the film’s emotional atmosphere, making his involvement especially relevant to audiences interested in its artistic construction. This is more than a standard return engagement: it offers festival members a chance to revisit a celebrated film through a special anniversary presentation.
Clarissa Features David Oyelowo in the Festival’s October 20 Program
David Oyelowo is another recognizable name in this year’s festival lineup, appearing in Clarissa, a film scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, at 7:15 p.m. The project is identified as a Neon release and is among the acclaimed titles highlighted in the festival’s announcement. Oyelowo is known for performances in films and television projects including Selma, in which he portrayed civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and Silo. His work has frequently involved complex characters and stories with social or historical dimensions. The festival’s published announcement confirms his involvement in Clarissa, but the available summary does not establish enough plot details to support a fuller description of the film’s story. The screening nevertheless stands out as an opportunity to see a feature associated with a respected performer in a festival that brings together studio-backed titles and independent filmmaking. Anyone interested in Oyelowo’s work may want to add the film to their schedule and check the official festival listing for additional information before attending.
Elsinore Brings Andrew Scott to the Festival on October 22
Andrew Scott’s presence in a film is often enough to attract viewers who appreciate character-driven performances, and Elsinore is one of the titles highlighted in the Twin Cities Film Fest’s 2026 lineup. The Focus Features release is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at 7:15 p.m. Scott has earned an international following through roles in productions such as Fleabag, Sherlock, and All of Us Strangers, demonstrating a range that spans television, romantic drama, and psychological storytelling. His involvement places Elsinore among the festival’s notable feature selections. The official festival announcement identifies the film as an awards contender but offers limited detail about its plot, so it is best not to assume a specific storyline from the title alone. For audiences choosing among the festival’s many screenings, the October 22 showing offers a chance to discover a new project featuring a familiar performer. Its place in the program also reflects the festival’s broader mix of prominent releases and films that audiences might not otherwise encounter in a traditional theater lineup.
Not Dead Yet Closes the Festival With Richard Kind and Paul Raci
A festival finale should leave audiences with something to think about, and Not Dead Yet brings the Twin Cities Film Fest to a close with a comedy about reinvention and second chances. The story centers on a veteran advertising executive who is pushed out of his agency by a culture obsessed with youth. Rather than accepting that his working life is over, he joins forces with a rebellious senior breakfast club in the Hamptons to launch a new venture. The film stars Richard Kind, Paul Raci, and Tovah Feldshuh, with Raci expected to attend the screening for a post-film discussion. Raci received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Sound of Metal, while Kind has built a long career across film, television, and theater. The closing-night gala is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, with Not Dead Yet screening at 7:45 p.m. Its themes of aging, ambition, and starting over make it a fitting choice for a festival finale focused on independent cinema and the stories people have yet to tell.
