Milwaukee Film Festival returns for 17th year, attendees encouraged to buy advance tickets🎞️

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Film Festival returns to the city's east side Thursday, April 24. It's the 17th year of the festival running 15 days with screenings at the Oriental and Downer Theatres in Milwaukee

The festival shows documentaries and fiction films from around the world, including nearly 50 made by Wisconsin filmmakers. 

A total of 208 films will be screened, more than half of them short films. 

The festival also includes talkbacks, panels, and networking opportunities. 

Milwaukee Film Festival Executive Director Susan Kerns says more than 30,000 people are expected to attend. 

"We're obviously hoping that number will grow. I will say, we have a lot of films that are selling very quickly and a couple that have already sold out, so I encourage people to get tickets in advance," said Kerns. 

Thursday night's opening screening at the Oriental Theatre is the documentary, "Sally," about Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. It's by Milwaukee filmmaker Christina Constantini. 

Learn more about the schedule and how to get tickets HERE.