Sheboygan Film Festival to Dazzle Downtown with Opening Night at the Historic Weill Center

Sheboygan is rolling out the red carpet this October with the launch of a major new cultural event—the inaugural Sheboygan Film Festival (SFF)—and it’s making its grand debut at one of the most iconic venues in the city: the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts.

Taking place October 2–5, 2025, this vibrant new festival promises to be a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community—and it all begins in a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Revival theater that’s steeped in cinematic history. With a 1,150-seat capacity, the Weill Center will offer an unforgettable setting for film lovers and creators alike.

An Unforgettable Kickoff at the Weill

“This is exactly where our story should begin,” said Beah Travis, Chair of the SFF Committee and Founder of the Belladonna Film Project, the nonprofit organizing the festival. “The Weill is iconic. When our neighbors and guests arrive there to meet filmmakers from across the state and the world, it will be an experience no one will be able to forget.”

Festival attendees will be welcomed into a historic venue that has hosted everything from Broadway performances and symphonies to ballet and film premieres, including Kevin Costner’s Open Range and Disney’s Morning Light, the latter introduced personally by Roy Disney himself.

A Festival for the Community—and the World

The Sheboygan Film Festival is positioning itself as the “Malibu of the Midwest”—a fresh, locally-rooted cinematic destination with global aspirations. The event is open to filmmakers worldwide, but its heart beats strongest for Midwestern indie creators, giving regional talent a much-needed platform.

Programming will include:

• Dramatic and documentary features
• Short films
• Children’s content
• Filmmaker Q&As
• Panel discussions
• Daily events that engage the local community

It’s more than a movie festival—it’s an immersive arts experience designed to energize Sheboygan’s downtown with foot traffic, conversation, and inspiration.

Downtown Sheboygan Set to Shine

According to Katy Glodosky, Executive Director of the Weill Center, this collaboration is about more than just great cinema.

“Bringing guests into town for this event will benefit the entire downtown economy, bringing new patrons into our restaurants, local shops, and hotels,” Glodosky said. “It’s part of our mission to create a thriving, vibrant arts scene together.”

Local businesses, hospitality providers, and residents can all expect to benefit from the influx of filmgoers and creators exploring Sheboygan’s shops, food, and lakefront beauty.

Get Involved and Be Part of the Story

Whether you’re a filmmaker, a volunteer, a business interested in sponsorship, or simply someone who loves great movies, now is the time to get involved. The festival team is actively seeking participants and supporters for this debut year.

To learn more, visit the official Sheboygan Film Festival site at www.sheboyganfilmfest.com, or follow the action on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

This October, the spotlight is on Sheboygan. Come be a part of it—and help launch a new tradition that puts our lakeside city on the global film map.

Let us know in the comments: Which film genres are you most excited to see at SFF 2025? Would you attend an outdoor screening or filmmaker panel downtown? Share your ideas and let’s make this festival unforgettable!