The 2026 film celebration at Zeitgeist Zinema will kick off and conclude with two unforgettable films, featuring powerful storytelling, acclaimed talent, and special in-person appearances from filmmakers and special guests.
Opening Night Film – April 22, 2026
- Bigfoot Woods
- Shot on location in Ely, Minnesota, Bigfoot Woods is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about a teenager navigating their gender identity in a small town resistant to change. When their father accidentally captures what appears to be video evidence of Bigfoot, the family is suddenly thrust into local fame. As the town rallies around the mythical creature, the film thoughtfully explores what it means to believe in the unbelievable—while struggling to accept someone they once knew as a girl as a boy.
- Opening Night guests include writer Abel Pavalon and director Elizabeth Chatelain, who will be in attendance for a post-screening conversation.
Closing Night Film – April 26, 2026
- Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story
- Screening at The Depot Theater
- Blurring the line between performance and personal crisis, this intimate and hilarious documentary follows comedian Maria Bamford as she transforms her mental health journey into riotously funny—and ultimately inspiring—material. Both deeply personal and universally resonant, the film showcases Bamford’s singular comedic voice and vulnerability.
- Premiered at 2026 Sundance Film Festival and 2026 SXSW Festival
- Short film Follow Your Feel Good: The Art of Sarah Seidelmann, directed by Asher Carlson, a short documentary about Sarah’s mission to create art that “makes love visible” and how it came about will play before the feature film.
Closing Night will feature special guests Maria Bamford herself along with Sarah Seidelmann for a live conversation.
Save the Dates & Reserve Early
The full 2026 lineup will be announced soon.
- Passholder ticket reservations open March 25, 2026
- General public reservations open April 1
Festival passes are available now. Secure your pass today to guarantee early access to tickets and be part of this dynamic celebration of film, community, and conversation.
For passes and updates, visit zeitgeistarts.com/zmff.
