A collection of well-regarded American indie films, ranging from intense dramas to thought-provoking narratives. Films like Laws of Man explore justice in a remote Nevada town, while Sugarhouse tells a tender story of sisterhood amidst a life of crime. Lady Parts examines personal struggles, and Queen of the Ring celebrates female resilience through the lens of professional wrestling. Each of these films showcases diverse stories that delve into relationships, identity, and the human condition.

This spotlight highlights innovative animated films and shorts that push the boundaries of the medium. Films such as Captain Avispa, a Dominican feature, bring vibrant and unique storytelling to the forefront, while shorts like Aquatic and Sweeter Is the Night blend artistry and narrative. These selections represent a broad array of animation techniques and genres, from whimsical and playful to thought-provoking and poignant.

This year, SLIFF takes audiences back to what many critics hail as one of the greatest years in cinema with its "Watch Films Like It’s 1999" archival focus. Celebrating films that have stood the test of time, this retrospective features The Iron Giant, a beloved animated classic that continues to resonate with viewers of all ages, and All About My Mother, Pedro Almodóvar’s emotionally rich exploration of identity, loss, and resilience, which solidified his place as a master of modern cinema. These films represent the artistic innovation and storytelling brilliance that made 1999 a banner year in film history, inviting audiences to experience—or re-experience—some of the finest cinematic achievements of the era.

A cinematic exploration of Asian cultures and stories, this spotlight presents films like The Song of Flying Leaves, an introspective narrative blending culture and tradition, and Poyyamozhi, which delves into the mystery of a runaway's journey through the woods. These films showcase the rich diversity of Asia, tackling both contemporary and historical issues with grace and depth.

Free screenings (often with filmmakers in attendance) for St. Louis-area elementary, middle, and high schools.

Featuring films that address pressing environmental concerns, this spotlight includes documentaries like Capturing the Carbon, which follows innovations in carbon capture, and Unearth, a hard-hitting exploration of the mining industry in Alaska. These films inspire reflection on the impact of human activity on nature and highlight efforts toward sustainability and environmental justice.

A focus on the intersection of art and life, with films like Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea, a documentary about a marine-turned-artist, and My Missing Screw, which follows an artist’s symbolic journey to honor his family’s suffering. These films showcase the transformative power of creativity, examining the ways in which art reflects personal and societal struggles.

This powerful selection highlights the fight for justice and equality, with documentaries like Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, which chronicles an interracial civil rights protest, and The Strike, focusing on a hunger strike by men in solitary confinement. These films give voice to marginalized communities and highlight the ongoing struggles for human rights across the globe.

This spotlight delves into the emotional connections that shape our lives, featuring films that explore the human condition. The Midway Point tells the story of a young man on the autistic spectrum discovering new perspectives, while Forever Endeavor offers a whimsical reflection on life and legacy. These films are deeply personal and explore themes of healing, self-discovery, and the bonds that tie us together, often through challenging and transformative journeys.

A broad overview of award-winning international films, this category brings stories from all over the world. Films like Destined to Play tell the story of Saudi women fighting to play football, while Behind the Mask follows an Uyghur family grappling with their past in a Chinese internment camp. These films offer a window into diverse cultures and experiences, from intimate personal narratives to large-scale societal issues.

Showcasing the rich storytelling tradition of Italian cinema, this spotlight includes films that offer glimpses into Italian life and culture. Eldorado provides a compelling narrative set in Italy, while A Dark Tale presents a more dramatic, introspective experience. The selection emphasizes Italy’s contribution to international cinema, blending classic cinematic techniques with contemporary themes.

This spotlight shines on powerful documentaries that provide in-depth looks at important social, political, and cultural issues. Films like Ray of Hope and The Strike focus on stories of resilience, while Westermann: Memorial to the Idea of Man If He Was an Idea offers a poignant look at the intersection of art and war. The selected documentaries inspire viewers to think critically about the world around them, offering compelling narratives that inform and engage.

Whether you dream of being a filmmaker or have decades of experience in the field, our Masterclasses will help you go to the next level, provide a space for you to connect with others in your field, and introduce you to the Cinema St. Louis Education Program

A juried competition for first-time American-independent filmmakers, with all five films accompanied by their directors. A celebration of fresh voices in American indie cinema, this forum showcases debut works from talented first-time filmmakers. Run follows a struggling writer on a path to cathartic healing, while Paper Marriage is a touching story about a Chinese immigrant navigating love and legality. These films represent the future of independent filmmaking, offering new perspectives on timeless themes like relationships, identity, and personal growth.

Every weekday at 5pm, starting November 8, our theaters will offer a selection of shorts for $5! These Narrative and Documentary films come from all over the world and display the remarkable diversity of storytelling in the films selected for SLIFF33. There are also several Shorts Programs on the weekends and those are also just $5.

These films have already been submitted by their home countries as their representative for the 2025 Oscars.

Highlighting LGBTQ lives and issues, this spotlight includes films that celebrate diversity and explore the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. Alok brings the story of a gender-nonconforming artist to life, while Amma’s Pride offers a more intimate family drama. These films embrace queer identity and advocacy, highlighting both struggles and triumphs while fostering a greater understanding of the LGBTQ experience.

Addressing the complexities of Race in America, this spotlight presents films that explore historical and contemporary perspectives on racial issues. Mr. Troy tells the inspiring story of a Black ballet dancer overcoming racial prejudice, while The People’s Way focuses on community organizers responding to the murder of George Floyd. These films engage with systemic injustice, social activism, and the ongoing fight for racial equity.

This spotlight highlights films from France and other French-speaking regions, showcasing a wide array of genres and themes. Waltz for Three brings together stories of love and music, while Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano captures a film crew’s perseverance in post-explosion Beirut. These films represent the artistic and cultural diversity of the French-speaking world, offering audiences both emotional depth and artistic innovation.

A juried competition that awards prizes in seven categories. SLIFF’s narrative and documentary shorts programming is officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

This category celebrates films with deep connections to St. Louis and Missouri, highlighting local storytelling and regional talent. Films like Concrete Jungle Gym delve into the creation of iconic St. Louis attractions, while Black Girl In Bloom and Catching Bullets showcase personal and emotional journeys tied to the area's unique cultural landscape.

A family-friendly selection of films that inspire and entertain younger audiences, this category includes films like Captain Avispa, a fun and adventurous animated feature, and Concrete Jungle Gym, a fascinating documentary about the creativity behind St. Louis's City Museum. These films provide enriching cinematic experiences for children and families, fostering curiosity and imagination through stories of wonder and discovery.

This spotlight offers a selection of films from Spain and Latin America, showcasing diverse stories and rich cultural perspectives. Wingwalker tells the daring story of a father crossing the border to save his daughter, while The Night Inside delves into the complexities of personal identity and societal pressure. These films celebrate the vibrancy of Spanish-language cinema, exploring themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery.

A juried competition that awards a $5,000 prize to a feature documentary that focuses on people working to make the world a better place and that inspires audience members and leaves them with a sense of hope for the future.

A showcase of high-profile studio films, this spotlight features well-produced narratives with broad appeal. Films like Seed of the Sacred Fig, which premiered at Cannes, offer captivating, thought-provoking stories, while Superboys of Megaloan delivers a more adventurous cinematic experience. These films highlight the expertise of established studios in creating compelling, diverse narratives that captivate audiences across genres.

Celebrating the work of women filmmakers, this spotlight presents over 60 films that explore themes of identity, empowerment, and resilience. Films like Queen of the Ring spotlight female trailblazers, while A Time Apart examines the complexities of relationships. From intimate character studies to broader societal commentaries, this category amplifies the voices and stories of women from around the world.