The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is proud to announce the full lineup for SpringFest, April 17-24, at Film Society East, 125 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia.
SpringFest is back—bigger and bolder than ever—bringing an electrifying lineup of fresh discoveries from the international festival circuit. From standout American indies and eye-opening documentaries to acclaimed international titles, each film will make its exclusive Philadelphia premiere, giving audiences an early look at some of 2025’s most anticipated titles. Plus, post-screening Q&As will offer a deeper dive into the stories and filmmakers behind the films.
This year’s SpringFest features an exciting new focus on Philadelphia filmmakers alongside its signature lineup of must-see festival hits, including 31 short films by local filmmakers.
“We are thrilled to present this year’s SpringFest, an event that not only showcases extraordinary films but also brings together film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and everyday moviegoers,” said J. Andrew Greenblatt, CEO & Executive Director. “This year’s lineup showcases the boundless creativity of cinema, blending fresh, daring perspectives with the brilliance of renowned filmmakers — while also shining a spotlight on the incredible talent of local filmmakers who are shaping the future of cinema right here in Philadelphia.”
- SPRINGFEST 2025 LINEUP 40 ACRES / R.T. Thorne
- Following a series of plagues that have left food in short supply on earth, a former soldier and her extended family must fight to protect their isolated farm from vicious cannibals. Danielle Deadwyler (TILL, THE PIANO LESSON) and Michael Greyeyes (RUTHERFORD FALLS) shine in this post-apocalyptic thriller.
- DEAF PRESIDENT NOW! / Nyle DiMarco, Davis Guggenheim
- Director Davis Guggenheim (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX MOVIE) joins newcomer Nyle DiMarco in this dynamic retelling of the 1988 student protest at the world’s only deaf university, Gallaudet, that took place when the board chose to elect a hearing president. As timely as it is invigorating, this pulse-pounding documentary will have you on the edge of your seat.
- FRIENDSHIP / Andrew DeYoung
- Tim Robinson (I THINK YOU SHOULD LEAVE) brings his patented comedic style to this offbeat tale of a suburban father whose life begins to spin out of control when he tries a little too hard to make friends with his overwhelmingly cool, new next-door neighbor (Paul Rudd).
- JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE / Laura Piani
- Actor Camille Rutherford channels the romantic comedy mavens in this touching and hilarious story of a chronically single bookseller who goes on a writers’ retreat to chase her dreams, only to find herself caught up in the kind of romantic entanglements that she only reads about.
- MARLEE MATLIN: NOT ALONE ANYMORE / Shoshannah Stern
- Filmmaker Shoshannah Stern directs this inspiring documentary chronicling the life and work of trailblazing actor Marlee Matlin, the first deaf person to win an Academy Award. Diving deep into her family history, herturbulent relationship with actor William Hurt, and her many years of activism and accessibility advocacy, NOT ALONE ANYMORE is a witty, unforgettable portrait.
- MIDDLETOWN / Jesse Moss, Amanda McBaine
- The filmmakers behind the smash hit BOYS STATE returns with the story of an unconventional media studies teacher who led a group of teenagers to uncover a sprawling toxic waste conspiracy in their area. Set in the 1990s, this documentary cross between SPOTLIGHT and Scooby-Doo is a testament to the tenacity of adolescents, the influence of great educators, and the power of sharp journalism.
- ON SWIFT HORSES / Daniel Minahan
- Jacob Elordi, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Will Poulter exercise their supreme acting chops in this beautifully realized adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s 1950s set novel that sees a recently married woman and her new brother-in-law as they set out on parallel paths of self-discovery and secret sexual awakenings.
- PREDATORS / David Osit
- Filmmaker David Osit takes a magnifying glass to the tactics and ethics behind the early 2000s reality TV sensation, To Catch a Predator. Unsettling, complex, and, at times, heartbreaking, this searing documentary examines the extreme impacts of a show that sought to make the outing of predatory behavior into a popular form of entertainment.
- ROCKY’S / Ben Cohen & Max Strand
- An upcoming funeral forces a group of childhood friends to come together again and face the fact that they are growing up, whether they want to or not.
- THE SHROUDS / David Cronenberg
- Master David Cronenberg returns with his most personal film to date, a paranoia thriller about a grieving widow whose work – designing high tech burial shrouds that allow family members to watch their loved ones decompose – has unforeseen consequences. What starts as a project to help him cope quickly turns tosomething more sinister in this unique thriller that is equal parts fascinating, satirical and moving.
- THE THREESOME / Chad Hartigan
- Unexpected sparks fly when two best friends decide to partake in a threesome with a charismatic stranger in Chad Hartigan’s (THIS IS MARTIN BONNER, MORRIS FROM AMERICA) twisty, riotous old school romcom about three people’s intertwined, unwitting journey into adulthood.
- THE UGLY STEPSISTER / Emilie Blichfeldt
- In this gory, pitch-black comedic reframing of Cinderella, plain-faced stepsister Elvira will stop at nothing (literally nothing) to win the prince’s heart. Director Emilie Blichfeldt’s gruesome and hilarious debut turns a classic children’s tale into a bit of nasty fun.
SHORTS PROGRAM
- The Creeps IDLE SPEED / Yoni Azulay
- THE POINTY SLIPPERS / Christina Acevedo
- THE CHEWING / Grayson Di Rienzo
- FELLER IN THE CELLAR / Jackson Dunavant & Nick Volosky
- THE WIND / Adam Peditto
- POP / Josh Jones
- COPEPODS / Todd Rawiszer
- The Shrieks MEMORY CARD / Tara Lashchak & Stanislav Puzdriak
- BUSHWITCHES / Jasia Ka
- SECRET MENU BEAUTY PAGEANT / Frankie Campisano & Sg Egan
- DAVE AND LARRY / Daniel Rosendale
- BEHIND THE SIGNAL / Jason Taylor
- Family Ties COMPANY / Maria Cantu
- SIMMER / Joshua Afiriyie
- OVER THE HILL / Ryan Canney
- LYZ / Darnell Brown
- MOM JOLIE / Aydan Eyes
- TOMORROW & FOREVER / Justin O’Neill
- Love is in the Air HAZY, HOT, AND STUPID / Tony Mccall
- CRAG / Logan Desris
- GREAT DANE / Billie Michael
- WHOLE SOME / Saladin White II
- WHISPER IN MY EAR / Douglas Williams
- Philly Stories RIDE OF A LIFE TIME – THE SMARTY JONES STORY / Scott Whitham
- LIVING POSITIVE / Jim Tuttle
- PARDON ME / Shuja Moore
- What We Carry FOX CHASE BOY / Gerard Argeros & Kaya Dillon
- MY NAME IS JONAS / Cory David Bortnicker
- CANVAS / Mitch Workman & Logan Mccurry
- PREDISPOSITION / Lainey Macken
- THE MIRROR DANCE / Alyssa Rose Capitini
SpringFest is presented by Steve and Betsy Filton.
Tickets will go on sale April 3. All-access badges are available now.
