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Better Cities Film Festival 2025
September 18 - September 20
Late summer is the perfect time to experience Detroit’s vibrant energy, and the 12th annual Better Cities Film Festival will bring it all together in the heart of downtown. From Sept. 18–21, discover powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and community from citizens, architects, planners, and everyday changemakers working to build stronger, more connected places.
The main screening venue at Campus Martius Park, America’s #1 public square by USA Today 10Best, is where films will light up the park on Sept. 18-20, and the energy of the city becomes part of the experience. There will also be a special Sunday, Sept. 21, screening at Christ Church Detroit.
Ahead of its national PBS release, the opening night will feature the Midwest premiere of “Rails to Trails,” directed by Dan Protess. Protess will be attending the screening, followed by a guided ride on Detroit’s Dequindre Cut led by the Detroit Greenways Coalition, ending at Eastern Market After Dark, a highlight of the Detroit Month of Design.
Additional highlights include “The Little Things That Run the World,” a feature film spotlighting Detroit-based groups preserving micro-ecologies in urban spaces. Audiences will also enjoy short film blocks exploring themes of bicycling, housing, urban design, and community development.
More than a film festival, BCFF also invites you to explore the city through walking tours, bike rides, workshops, and shared meals. It’s a hands-on, minds-on weekend of connection and curiosity — where you’re just as likely to meet a filmmaker on an architecture tour as you are on stage.
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable festival of learning, inspiration, and fun!
Additional info, FREE tickets and more can be found HERE
