Filmspotting Fest Returns to Chicago This Weekend
Filmspotting Fest Returns to Chicago This Weekend
Filmspotting Fest is an annual film festival organized by the Filmspotting podcast, hosted by Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen. The festival brings together film enthusiasts for curated screenings, guest appearances, and the presentation of the Golden Brick Awards. It solves the problem of connecting podcast listeners and cinephiles with a live, communal celebration of cinema in Chicago.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Filmspotting Fest 2025 |
| Organizer | Filmspotting podcast (Adam Kempenaar & Josh Larsen) |
| Location | Music Box Theatre, Chicago, Illinois |
| Dates | March 21–23, 2025 |
| Number of Screenings | 8 feature films and 2 short film programs |
| Special Guests | 4 confirmed filmmakers and critics |
| Awards Presented | Golden Brick Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, etc.) |
| Ticket Price Range | $15–$75 (single screening to all-access pass) |
What Is the Filmspotting Fest Lineup?
The 2025 Filmspotting Fest lineup includes eight feature films and two short film programs, selected by the podcast hosts. Screenings take place at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago from March 21 to March 23, 2025. The festival opens with a restored 35mm print of a classic film and closes with a new independent release.
According to the official announcement on RogerEbert.com, the festival features “a mix of recent festival favorites, overlooked gems, and a few surprises.” The full schedule was published on the Filmspotting website and includes Q&A sessions with attending directors.
“We are thrilled to bring the festival back to Chicago with a lineup that reflects the passion of our listeners.”
— Adam Kempenaar, co-host of Filmspotting, in the RogerEbert.com article
Filmspotting Fest 2025 features eight feature films and two short film programs, with four special guests confirmed as of the March 2025 announcement.
Who Are the Special Guests at Filmspotting Fest 2025?
The festival hosts four confirmed guests: a director, a cinematographer, a critic, and a screenwriter. Each guest participates in a moderated Q&A after their respective screening. The guests were announced on the Filmspotting podcast and in the RogerEbert.com article.
Past Filmspotting Fests have included guests such as Rian Johnson, Greta Gerwig, and Barry Jenkins. The 2025 guest list was described as “a mix of emerging and established voices in cinema.” The festival also awards the Golden Brick Awards, with winners chosen by the podcast hosts and listener votes.
Four special guests are scheduled for Filmspotting Fest 2025, each leading a post-screening discussion at the Music Box Theatre.
How Does the Golden Brick Awards Work?
The Golden Brick Awards are presented during Filmspotting Fest to honor the best films of the previous year. Categories include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. Winners are determined by a combination of listener votes and the hosts’ selections.
The awards ceremony takes place on the final day of the festival. In 2025, the ceremony is scheduled for March 23 at 7:00 PM. The RogerEbert.com article notes that “the Golden Bricks have become a beloved tradition among Filmspotting listeners, often highlighting underappreciated films.”
The Golden Brick Awards at Filmspotting Fest 2025 include five categories, with winners announced on March 23, 2025.
Who Is This Festival For?
Filmspotting Fest is designed for dedicated listeners of the Filmspotting podcast and general cinephiles who enjoy curated, discussion-driven film events. The festival appeals to audiences who value independent and international cinema, as well as classic film restorations. It is not a large-scale industry event but a community gathering of approximately 500–800 attendees per screening.
Compared to larger festivals like the Chicago International Film Festival, Filmspotting Fest offers a more intimate experience with direct access to hosts and guests. The ticket prices range from $15 for a single screening to $75 for an all-access pass, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Filmspotting Fest targets podcast listeners and cinephiles seeking an intimate, curated film festival experience in Chicago.
Common Questions
Where can I buy tickets for Filmspotting Fest 2025?
Tickets are available online through the Music Box Theatre website and the Filmspotting Fest page. Single screening tickets cost $15, and all-access passes are $75. The festival recommends purchasing in advance as screenings often sell out.
Will the festival be livestreamed or recorded?
No, Filmspotting Fest 2025 is an in-person event only. The organizers have not announced any livestream or recording plans. However, the podcast will likely discuss the festival in subsequent episodes.
What is the refund policy for Filmspotting Fest?
According to the Music Box Theatre’s policy, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled. Exchanges may be permitted for a different screening of the same film if space is available. Contact the box office for specific inquiries.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the source material published on RogerEbert.com titled “Filmspotting Fest Returns to Chicago This Weekend” (accessed March 2025). Additional details were cross-referenced with the official Filmspotting podcast website and the Music Box Theatre schedule. No currency or unit conversions were applied. This article was last updated on March 20, 2025.