Festival News & Information
BCFF 2025 Official Press Release
Sept 3, 2025
“Hosting the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit is always an exchange,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “We learn from the stories and innovations shared by filmmakers around the world, and at the same time, those films reflect the lessons cities everywhere are learning from Detroit. That exchange of ideas makes the festival both energizing and deeply meaningful.” . . . Read the full press release.
More Better 2025 Events Announced
August 25, 2025
The Better Cities Film Festival isn’t just about great films—it’s about exploring cities, making connections, and sparking ideas that last long after the credits roll. Join us for More Better, our lineup of hands-on events designed to bring the festival spirit into the streets of Detroit!
Thursday: Bike Ride & Eastern Market After Dark
Ride with the Detroit Greenways Coalition from Campus Martius to Eastern Market, capping it off with Detroit’s legendary Eastern Market After Dark.
Saturday: Walking Tour
Discover the Unofficial State of the City with architect Mark Nickita on a lively, hopeful walking tour of downtown Detroit.
Saturday: Filmmaker Networking Event
Hosted with Detroit Film Outreach, this relaxed mixer at Cabana 313 is the perfect chance for filmmakers to connect and collaborate.
Saturday: Beyond the Frame Workshop
Dive into how film screenings can inspire real-world impact in this interactive workshop at Cabana 313.
And that’s just the beginning—see all the special events, after-parties, and More Better experiences happening throughout the festival!
Thursday’s Film Schedule
Fridays’s Film Schedule
Saturday’s Film Schedule
Sunday’s Film Schedule
VENUES
America’s #1Public Square, Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit, 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, is the main venue for the 2025. Pull up a chair, or bring your own chair or blanket, and watch the films in this beautiful civic space surrounded by great places to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a beverage.
On Sunday the venue for our screenings “Common Ground” and “In This Place,” is Christ Church Detroit at 960 E. Jefferson Ave.,
Detroit, MI 48207.
EXPLORE DETROIT
If you're headed to Detroit for the first time, or haven't been to the city in a while,VisitDetroit.com has the best set of Detroit-centric travel-planning tools living on the web to help you plan an exciting visit.
SWAG
Check out our online shop for official BCFF swag and merch, including shirts, hats & posters.
SUBMIT A FILM FOR 2026
Submissions are closed for 2025, but we’ll open submissions for 2026 on our FilmFreeway page in the fall.
2025 BETTER CITIES FILM FESTIVAL
DETROIT
September 18-21
2025 SPONSORS
