Access to all festival events.
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The online screenings pass provides you with on-demand online access to all selections during the festival.
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Access to the Lake Minnetonka Cruise including lunch. You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend.
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Access to panels and keynotes. You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend.
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Access to the 2021 Minnesota WebFest Awards Ceremony. You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend.
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Access to the Minnesota WebFest Kickoff event. THIS EVENT HAS LIMITED SEATING. Please claim a ticket only if you intend to attend the event. You must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend.
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Tickets for the end-of-festival Creator Cruise. Each selection team will receive
a discount code for 2 complimentary tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased at full price. The public is welcome with a paid ticket.
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The Minnesota WebFest Online pass grants you access to all online events, including screening blocks and live streams.
If you plan on attending any in-person events, please "purchase" a free ticket for "Duluth Events" as this ticket is solely for online access.
NOTE: This ticket does NOT include access to the Lake Superior Cruise on Wednesday.
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Full access to all three festivals of the North Star Story Summit: Duluth Superior Film Festival, Minnesota WebFest, and Catalyst Stories. Includes access to Minnesota WebFest live streams and online screenings.
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Access to all in-person events EXCEPT the Lake Superior Cruise.
Events include: screenings at Zeitgeist, networking events, panels, presentations, and keynotes.
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The Minnesota WebFest Online Pass grants you access to all online events, including virtual screenings and live streams.
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You must purchase this ticket for access to the Industry Cruise that closes out Minnesota WebFest no matter what other tickets you have. Creators should must purchase a ticket, but your ticket will be refunded during the cruise. No-shows are not eligible for a ticket refund.
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The North Star Story Summit Badge grants you access to the screenings for all three festivals of the North Star Story Summit: Minnesota WebFest, Catalyst, and Duluth Superior Film Festival. This badge does NOT include access to the workshops and industry events for DSFF and Catalyst.
You do not need this badge if you are attending only Minnesota WebFest!
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The Minnesota WebFest Badge is a free pass to attend all screenings, panels, keynotes, and networking events of Minnesota WebFest EXCEPT the Lake Superior Cruise. You must purchase a separate pass to watch selections online.
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Join us for a relaxing end-of-festival get-together and set sail for a cruise on Lake Superior.
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The online pass grants you complete access to all Official Selections except those with online screening prohibitions.
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The "Single Day" pass provides access to all Catalyst, Duluth Superior Film Festival, and Minnesota WebFest screenings on the day of your choice.
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The "Creator Pass" provides creates with complete access to all events across Catalyst, Duluth Superior Film Festival, and Minnesota WebFest. Creators of MNWF Official Selections need purchase this pass only if they want to attend Catalyst or DSFF events. To attend only MNWF events, purchase the MNWF Creator Pass (free with creator discount code).
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Catalyst/DSFF/MNWF Multi-Day Screening Pass
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The MNWF Creator Pass is for Minnesota WebFest creators who do not wish to purchase full NS3 access. This pass will grant you access to all MNWF events (both in-person events and online screenings) as well as joint NS3 events excluding the Lake Superior Cruise. YOU MUST HAVE A SEPARATE TICKET FOR THE LAKE SUPERIOR CRUISE.
MNWF creators should have received a discount code rending this ticket free. Please contact the festival if you have not received your discount code.
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Sometimes perseverance comes in the form of small victories; sometimes those victories are epic. This screening block highlights films with victories both small and large.
The podcasts in this block were all created by Minnesotans or produced in Minnesota.
It's year five and we want to highlight those creators who continue to entertain with new seasons and new series. The block focuses on Minnesota WebFest alumni from around the world.
Stories of love and romance.
This block houses all of our non-narrative podcasts, whether aimed at education or entertainment.
Ready for a serious series?
This block is part 2 of 2 blocks that highlight our selection of dramatic web series. Though the block is heavy on the drama, we have peppered it with dramedies to keep it from being too series.
We combine into a single category the concepts of documentary series which seek to document a topic and inform with reality series that seek to entertain or inform by showing us events as they occur.
A little bit of sad and a heck of a lot of funny. The selections in this block reflect the strangeness of a world without giving into the gloom.
We have a lot of great documentary/reality content this year. In this screening block, we highlight those shows that can help you learn more about the world in which we live.
A Direct Selection is a series selected to Minnesota WebFest directly through a partner festival. Direct selections tend to highlight the talent of a particular region in the world.
Get comfortable on the edge of your seats, because the podcasts in this block will keep you guessing every step of the way.
The selections in this block come from the documentary and reality genres.
This block presents projects from our horror and thriller podcast selections,
This block highlights the nominees among our anthology actual play podcasts.
The selections in this block come from the documentary and reality genres.
This screening block showcases all of the official selections in our pilots category. Catch the episodes designed to make you watch to watch more.
These selections are aimed at children, young adults, and/or the entire family.
We have two blocks dedicated to anthology podcasts. In this block, we feature narrative anthologies.
Our selections targeted at families, late teens, and young adults. Note that some content in this screening block deals with common high school and college themes and thus is not suitable for young children.
Do you want to laugh? Do you want to cry? A good dramedy might make you do both. This block contains our selections that use humor to move through a dramatic storyline.
This block of podcasts includes the projects nominated in our drama category.
This block presents projects from our horror and thriller podcast selections,
This block contains web series from our Dramatic Web Series competition.
The world premiere for Hidden Falls will take place at Minnesota WebFest on September 25, 2021. Can't make it? Catch the series online in this special screening block.
Our shortest block in the festival is our selection from the trailer program. Instead of watching episodes, you will be watching the trailers from each selection up for "Best Trailer".
Which is your favorite?
The block contains our podcast selections in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
It's year five and we want to highlight those creators who continue to entertain with new seasons and new series. The block focuses on Minnesota WebFest alumni from the United States.
A series pilot is a critical tool in building interest for a web series. If your series pilot does not work well, then people likely will not watch your series.
This special screening block runs concurrently while these same shows are being screened in-person at Minnesota WebFest 2021 in the Minnetonka Room at Radisson Blu Mall of America. The in-person event will be followed by a live Q&A that will be simulcast after the in-person screenings.
This screening block contains all series that are being considered for our two separate "Best in Fest" categories: "BEST OF THE WORLD" and "BEST OF THE UNITED STATES".
The winners of these two awards along with the winner of BEST OF MINNESOTA will be receiving something more than a trophy this year. Tune into the awards ceremony to learn more!
The core objective of Minnesota WebFest is to highlight talent and works from Minnesota.
This screening block contains a mix of podcasts and web series created by Minnesotans and/or created in Minnesota.
Documentary and Reality Series
This block contains our web series selections that will frighten and thrill you.
The web series selections that join romance with comedy are featured in this block.
Though most people think of the pilot as the first episode of a series, it can be any episode designed to make people want to watch more. The purpose of the pilot can be to help the creators raise money or get other support for doing a complete season. Sometimes the goal of the pilot of simply to raise interest in a season that is about to be release.
In this virtual screening block, watch the short-form (less than 15 minutes) pilots from our pilots competition.
The podcasts in this block were all created by Minnesotans or produced in Minnesota.
This screening block highlights the general comedy series for 2024.
We have two blocks dedicated to horror/thriller podcasts. In this block, we feature narrative horror and thriller.
This block includes our narrative fantasy podcasts, but excludes actual play podcasts.
Science fiction is a popular genre for podcasting and this block contains all of our official selection podcasts from the sci-fi realm.
The web series in this block will make you both laugh and cry.
This screening block highlights the general comedy podcasts for 2024.
The podcasts in this block come from our nominees in science fiction and fantasy actual play.
This block contains selections from the science fiction and fantasy genres.
A great dramatic work tells a story that hits the audience with a range of emotions and multiple layers of story-telling. This block contains our selection of dramatic web series.
Not just one laugh. An entire block of laughs!
Looking for some great sci-fi stories? The podcasts in this block are just the ticket!
The selections in this block are actual play videos that convey the dynamics of a role playing session and create an engaging and entertaining viewer experience.
These selections are aimed at children, young adults, and/or the entire family.
Love science fiction and fantasy? This block contains our complete lineup of science fiction and fantasy web series.
Minnesota WebFest spotlights our home-grown talent! Take a look at the series made by Minnesota filmmakers or made in Minnesota.
In this screening block, we feature the selections competing in our documentary and reality web series category.
Though most people think of the pilot as the first episode of a series, it can be any episode designed to make people want to watch more. The purpose of the pilot can be to help the creators raise money or get other support for doing a complete season. Sometimes the goal of the pilot of simply to raise interest in a season that is about to be release.
In this virtual screening block, watch the long-form (greater than 15 minutes) pilots from our pilots competition.
In this block, we showcase the videos of actual play sessions from our actual play video nominees.
Comedy is always the most competitive awards category at Minnesota WebFest as it is the most robust genre in the web series world. This block contains our selection of comedy web series for 2022.
We have put together a selection of mystery and thriller web series for this block.
Podcasts in this block document aspects of our world either through direct observation or retelling.
A selection of web series from Minnesota.
Every year, we have a competition centered on the web series trailer. This block includes the nominees from our trailer competition.
A dramatic podcast will weave an emotional storyline that moves the listener. This block contains our selection of dramatic podcasts.s
A little bit of funny with darkness creeping in.
The podcasts in this block come from our nominees in horror actual play.
The block contains our podcast selections in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Sit back and look at up-and-coming web series through their pilot efforts.
Though people often think of a series pilot as being the first episode of a series, it can be any episode that was created simply to get the resources to complete a season. For example, the pilot "The Cage" for the TV series "Star Trek" was not even included in the original series run except as flashbacks.
The selections in this block are therefore specifically designed to get your attention and (if you are a TV money person) your dollars.
Not just one laugh. An entire block of laughs!
We have combined two similar genres into one for 2022 to focus on the ability to create a sense of suspense using the web series format. The shows in this block keep you guessing and will surprises and/or scare you as you wander down its halls.
This block presents podcasts that present gaming campaigns that entertain and thrill a listening audience.
This screening block includes the web series nominated for science fiction and fantasy awards.
Not just one laugh. An entire block of laughs!
For 2024, we had an unusually large number of selections in French. This screening block is 100% francophone content originating from France, Canada, and other French-speaking nations.
We have two block dedicated to science fiction podcasts. In this block, we feature narrative science fiction.
Our Family Podcasts selections contain a range of podcasts from those specifically aimed at kids to podcasts that entertain the whole family.
In this block, we have placed a number of our dramatic podcasts for you to listen to.
Ready for a serious series?
This block is part 1 of 2 blocks that highlight our selection of dramatic web series. Though the block is heavy on the drama, we have peppered it with dramedies to keep it from being too series.
This block presents projects from our horror and thriller podcast selections,
With a trailer, a team has 1 minute--maybe 2--to get your attention and make you want to binge the entire series. This screening block includes all of our selections for this year who have submitted their trailers into the trailer competition.
An Actual Play Podcast is a style of podcast in which the podcasters engage in a real role-playing scenario for your entertainment. This block contains the 2022 Actual Play Official Selections for Minnesota WebFest.
Ghosts, goblins, and assorted ghouls.
Or maybe just a dose of pure terror?
The podcasts in this block spin tales of the supernatural and scare the listener.
This screening block highlights series that work to preserve languages and cultures that are often cut off by dominant media.
Can't make it to Minnesota? Join us online for a simulcast of the 5th Annual Minnesota WebFest Awards Ceremony. In addition to the presentation of our awards, we also have some special announcements. Hosted by Lori Roovers.
NOTE: The Awards Ceremony will NOT be simulcast this year. We are missing a critical piece of equipment for the simulcast and we apologize that we cannot do as we planned. We will be announcing the winners via social media after the ceremony,
We are going to do a "best effort" live stream of the awards ceremony, so it may work or may not work.
Welcome to the 2024 North Star Story Summit Awards Ceremony! We will be highlighting the winners of the judging from Catalyst, Minnesota WebFest, and the Duluth Superior Film Festival.
For 2024, we have combined the ceremonies from all three festivals into a single, informal networking event. The evening will start with the awards from Catalyst and move on through Minnesota WebFest and finally to Duluth Superior Film Festival.
Hosted by long-time Minnesota WebFest MC, Lori Roovers.
Join us here for the full day of live streaming of all filmmaker Q&A, panels, and talks. See the main schedule for a list of specific topics and times.
Welcome to the 2024 edition of the North Star Story Summit, featuring Minnesota WebFest (short form/podcasts), Catalyst (television), and Duluth Superior Film Fest (film).
We will get the festivals started with a joint networking event at Canal Park Brewing.
We will kickoff Minnesota WebFest 2021 at Crave in the Mall of America. George Reese will give a brief talk to kick things off. Following words from George, a few guest speakers will say a few things with the rest of the evening left to mingle and for filmmakers to get to know each other. There are plenty of locations for us to go afterwards to let the party continue.
FOOD AND DRINKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. Please plan on dining here, if possible.
Join us for our screening blocks to see the best web series of 2024 and listen to the best podcasts.
Each screening block contains 2 hours of programming that includes an episode of individual web series and up to 15 minutes of each podcast. Each podcast has a visual on screen and is programmed between two web series.
Relax, have a local brew, and take some pictures on the Minnesota WebFest Purple Carpet (yes, it is purple).
The Purple Carpet will be set up just outside the UMFO Lounge where the 2023 Awards Ceremony will be held. It's a great opportunity to meet up with all of the filmmakers from this year's festival and compare notes on what you saw during the screenings.
Launch every episode together for binging? Launch one episode per week? How do I integrate my festival strategy into my launch plans?
Seeka TV's VP of Programming (and MNWF Director) George Reese will discuss launch strategies for streaming series to answer the questions filmmakers often have around taking their work to market. In addition to the questions above, Reese will touch on issues like how to approach multiple platforms and how a first season differs from launching new seasons.
Meredith Burkholder returns to Minnesota WebFest to update us on new research she has been doing in the web series world as part of the Valuing Web Series team.
Valuing Web Series is the first multi-country research project on web series, focussing on Australia, Canada and France. The project investigates the value of web series as a form of online screen entertainment characterised by original and diverse content produced by emerging creatives.
Please visit the site at https://valuingwebseries.com/ and participate in the survey.
Saturday will be filled with panels, keynotes, and screenings. More details to follow here as the specific schedule evolves.
This update is intended for legislative leaders, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creative community members - anyone curious about what's happening in the industry! We'll discuss the latest industry progress in Northern MN, including the status of the industry post-strikes, infrastructure investment, development progress, and how to get involved.
Did you ever want to have a few beers and then throw axes?
Now is your chance! After our first full day of watching web series, listening to podcasts, and learning from experts in online entertainment, we will gather at Duluth's Blacklist Brewery.
For those already in Duluth for the Duluth Superior Film Festival or simply arriving the day before Minnesota WebFest, we have a very informal get-together planned for the multipurpose room at the Annex du Nord where many festival participants will be staying.
Join us for a BYOB gathering that includes some remarks to kick off the festival.
Join us for our screening blocks to see the best web series of 2024 and listen to the best podcasts.
Each screening block contains 2 hours of programming that includes an episode of individual web series and up to 15 minutes of each podcast. Each podcast has a visual on screen and is programmed between two web series.
It's time to celebrate the best of Minnesota WebFest 2022. We kick off the celebration with the Minnesota WebFest purple carpet. Take photos and relax with cocktails before we start our awards ceremony.
We recommend an early arrival, as it can become difficult to get your picture taken in the last moments before the Awards Ceremony.
So much has changed for the Minnesota filmmaking landscape in the last 18 months. At the state level and many local levels, filmmakers from Minnesota and around the world have new options for funding projects big and small with Minnesota's great locations and talent pool.
Melodie Bahan of MN Film and TV will talk about all of these new opportunities and how you can leverage them.
We have two world premieres from Minnesota WebFest Alonge Hawes this year. Creator of the award winning series BLUE COLLAR HUSTLE and BLACK ON BOTH SIDES, Alonge Hawes will introduce us in this premiere to his new series GOOD BLACK MAN.
The premiere will be followed by a Q&A with Mr. Hawes.
Join us for the filmmaker Q&A following the live screenings from our in-person creators. Please be ready to share your questions!
For 2021, our in-person screenings will consist of episodes from series made by creators who are attending the festival. Every show you see on screen this year will be represented by someone. Enjoy the show and be ready to ask some questions!
Most of the selections screening in-person at Minnesota WebFest are represented by attendees at this year's festival. This screening block, however, highlights some selections from around the world who could not be here. We have chosen to screen them here either because the filmmakers have a long history with Minnesota WebFest or because of their performance in the Web Series World Cup.
Marketing is almost always an afterthought for the independent filmmaker. Nevertheless, it is just as important as any other part of the filmmaking progress.
Seeka TV VP of Programming and Minnesota WebFest Director George Reese presents best practices for marketing your works and positioning yourself for viewer success. During this talk, we will announce the nominees for the Minnesota WebFest Excellence in Web Series Promotion Award.
Join us for our screening blocks to see the best web series of 2024 and listen to the best podcasts.
Each screening block contains 2 hours of programming that includes an episode of individual web series and up to 15 minutes of each podcast. Each podcast has a visual on screen and is programmed between two web series.
Minnesota WebFest Director George Reese formally kicks off our 5th Edition with a short talk about this year's festival and some of the surprises we have in store.
Join us for the highlight networking event of every Minnesota WebFest, our lake cruise. 2023 will be the second year we are on Lake Superior. Attendees include creators from Minnesota WebFest as well as industry attendees from Catalyst and Duluth Superior Film Festival.
Our sponsor Seeka TV will provide lunch. A cash bar will also be available.
Join us for the 5th Annual Minnesota WebFest Awards Ceremony. Though the ceremony itself will start promptly at 8pm, we will have a Purple Carpet ceremony from 5:30pm until 7pm just outside of the Minnetonka room.
Hosted by Lori Roovers.
Our final event before the Purple Carpet and Awards Ceremony is a screening block of selections from attending creators.
Are you in town Monday night before the festivities begin?
If so, join as for cocktails and conversation as we say hello and prepare for Minnesota WebFest and the North Star Story Summit.
Join Executive Director Shari Marshik to talk logistics about shooting your next project. Northern Minnesota has amazing (and accessible) financial incentives to shoot in the region. The best part is that they are stackable - which means there are certain expense lines for which you can get up to 75% cash back! Shari will go over what's available, she'll explain the process of applying (in human terms!). We'll also talk a bit about the help and services that are available through the Upper Midwest Film Office, including things to think about while making your budget! This will be an informal format with plenty of time to bring real-world questions about planning your project.
Block #1 kicks off the in-person screenings at Zeitgeist 2 cinemas in downtown Duluth.
Presented by Ned Donovan
The entertainment industry has an interesting dichotomy where creators are increasingly expected to do everything, while simultaneously being pigeonholed into a single career path. In this presentation, multi-hyphenate Ned Donovan (whose career spans theatre, television, film, podcasting, radio, music, web series, and more) will talk about the opportunities that can be gained by creating in a new medium or genre, vs the pitfalls that can arise when you become known as a jack of all trades.
Join us for our screening blocks to see the best web series of 2024 and listen to the best podcasts.
Each screening block contains 2 hours of programming that includes an episode of individual web series and up to 15 minutes of each podcast. Each podcast has a visual on screen and is programmed between two web series.
We close each year with a lake cruise that shows off one of the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota. This year we tackle the grandest lake of them all: Gichi Gami, also known as Lake Superior.
We will leave from the Vista Fleet docks on Harbor Drive and experience the beauty of the North Shore of Lake Superior. If the weather is great, you can experience the entire cruise from the outdoors upper deck. Bad weather? No problem! The lower level is enclosed with windows that will still enable you to take in the views.
Lunch will be provided as well as a cash bar.
We apologize in advance that the Vista Queen is not a wheelchair accessible ship.
Join us for the 2022 Minnesota WebFest awards ceremony in the Multipurpose Room of the Annex du Nord! You will want to arrive early for the Purple Carpet for pictures and interviews.
Hosted by Lori Roovers.
Launch every episode together for binging? Launch one episode per week? How do I integrate my festival strategy into my launch plans?
Seeka TV's VP of Programming (and MNWF Director) George Reese will discuss launch strategies for streaming series to answer the questions filmmakers often have around taking their work to market. In addition to the questions above, Reese will touch on issues like how to approach multiple platforms and how a first season differs from launching new seasons.
Join us after our first day of screenings for an evening of beers (and maybe some axe throwing?) at Blacklist Brewery.
Whether a World Premiere, North American Premiere, US Premiere, or Minnesota Premiere, the web series and podcasts in this block are premiering at some level.
Note that premieres from Minnesota creators are showing in the "Made in Minnesota" screening block.
Join us for photos on the Purple Carpet at the 2021 Minnesota WebFest just prior to the Awards Ceremony. Cash bar is available for drinks.
Join Executive Director Shari Marshik to talk logistics about shooting your next project. Northern Minnesota has amazing (and accessible) financial incentives to shoot in the region. The best part is that they are stackable - which means there are certain expense lines for which you can get up to 75% cash back! Shari will go over what's available, she'll explain the process of applying (in human terms!). We'll also talk a bit about the help and services that are available through the Upper Midwest Film Office, including things to think about while making your budget! This will be an informal format with plenty of time to bring real-world questions about planning your project.
We have two world premieres from Minnesota WebFest Alonge Hawes this year. Creator of the award winning series BLUE COLLAR HUSTLE and BLACK ON BOTH SIDES, Alonge Hawes will introduce us in this premiere to his new series SILVER & GOLD.
The premiere will be followed by a Q&A with Mr. Hawes.
Long-time veteran of the web series Dipu Bhattacharya talks about the role of festivals in promoting your projects.
Join Jeff Stormer and special guests for a combination live performance and discussion panel, breaking down what makes Actual Play content such an exciting field for creators of all kinds--alongside a live demonstration of the magic of AP in action.
The Lake Minnetonka Cruise is a Minnesota WebFest tradition. Board the Isabella from Al and Alma from the Wayzata Depot Docks and see the beauty of the largest lake in the Twin Cities and one of the largest among Minnesota's 11,000+ lakes. Lunch including vegetarian options is provided along with a cash bar.
THE BOAT LIVES PROMPTLY AT 11:30.
Few people have the experience in the web series world of Caris Vujcec (The Pepper Project) and Herman Wang (The Spell Tutor, Illuminagents). The two of them have been creating web series for the past 6 years or more, and they have the scars to prove it.
This 90 minute session will start with Caris talking about her evolution in creating The Pepper Project--a high-end thriller designed to exceed the quality you'd expect in most Netflix crime dramas and spy thrillers.
Then, Herman will talk to you about his scrappy approach to creating sci-fi/fantasy stories, one fan-fic and the other original.
Welcome to the 2023 Minnesota WebFest Awards Ceremony!
By popular request, Lori Roovers returns for her third year hosting our awards ceremony and this year promises to be a great integration of the Minnesota WebFest and Catalyst festivals in support of the North Star Story Summit.
Who will walk away with the Best Overall Web Series and Best Overall Podcast Awards? Who will be selected as the best creators in Minnesota?
Our second day of programming begins with a two hour screening block at Zeitgeist.
Welcome to the 2024 North Star Story Summit Awards Ceremony! We will be highlighting the winners of the judging from Catalyst, Minnesota WebFest, and the Duluth Superior Film Festival.
For 2024, we have combined the ceremonies from all three festivals into a single, informal networking event. The evening will start with the awards from Catalyst and move on through Minnesota WebFest and finally to Duluth Superior Film Festival.
Hosted by long-time Minnesota WebFest MC, Lori Roovers.
We close out our festival cinema program with a final slate of selections having attendees at the festival. Join us for some great selections from the United States and around the world.
The lake cruise has been a highlight of every Minnesota Webfest since 2018. This year, participants from Catalyst and Duluth Superior Film Festival will be joining us for a cruise of Lake Superior.
Make sure you are at the docks at 11:15. The boat will leave without you!
After a short break, our Duluth programming continues with the selections of our second screening block.
Jeff Stormer, Speaker
Whether you're soliciting media coverage or looking for your next great collaborative partner, it can be tough to get a foot in the door. You only get one shot at a first impression, and no one wants that first impression to feel like a sales pitch. So how do you ensure that first point of contact feels legitimate?
Jeff Stormer has been running Party of One (a guest-driven, press-adjacent podcast production) for eight years, and collaborating with peers from all manner of industries on multiple award-winning productions. He'll talk through what makes a memorable first impression (for better and for worse) and how to translate that energy into strong, winning relationships and successful, meaningful collaborations.
Discover the best in web series and podcasts that Minnesota has to offer with this special screening block of "Made in Minnesota".
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