SLIFF 2025 has officially arrived, turning St. Louis into a vibrant hub of film, culture, and creativity. Running now through November 16, 2025, the 34th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, presented by Cinema St. Louis, embraces the theme “Film Without Borders.” The festival celebrates cinema’s power to connect cultures, foster empathy, and bring audiences together through the universal language of storytelling.
250+ Films From 39 Countries at SLIFF 2025
This year’s St. Louis International Film Festival features an extraordinary lineup of over 250 films from 39 countries, representing 37 languages. Screenings span 11 days and include 89 feature films, 49 documentaries, and 132 shorts, offering something for every kind of moviegoer.
Venues include some of St. Louis’s most iconic locations:
- Hi-Pointe Theatre (the festival’s historic home)
- Chase Park Plaza Theater
- MX Movies & Bar
- Webster University and Washington University campuses
Each venue contributes to the citywide celebration of storytelling, turning St. Louis into a temporary global capital of cinema.
Film Without Borders — The Mission Behind the Festival
More than just screenings, the St. Louis International Film Festival 2025 emphasizes film as a medium for dialogue and understanding. The “Race in America: The Black Experience” sidebar returns with acclaimed works like “Night Fight” and “Enongo.” At the same time, The Immigration Project pairs local filmmakers with refugees and immigrants to tell personal stories of resilience.
Additional themed programs include:
- QFest St. Louis (LGBTQ cinema)
- Women in Film showcase
- Human Rights and Social Justice series
The festival also collaborates with community partners such as St. Louis Public Radio and the International Institute, hosting post-film discussions that deepen audience engagement and cultural insight.
To promote accessibility, SLIFF 2025 offers 30+ free screenings and continues its “Cinema for Students” initiative, inviting K–12 classrooms to daytime showings across the metro area.
Must-See Films and Filmmaker Highlights
The festival opened on November 6 with “A Man With Sole,” a documentary about designer and activist Kenneth Cole. The closing night on November 16 will feature “Is This Thing On?” directed by Bradley Cooper, followed by an awards ceremony.
Other highlights include the acclaimed documentary “Holding Liat,” telling the story of an Israeli-American family whose daughter was kidnapped on October 7, 2023.
Adding to the festival’s excitement, over 50 filmmakers from around the world are attending in person, hosting Q&A sessions, panels, and community meetups. Their presence reinforces SLIFF’s commitment to connecting creators and audiences in real time.
A Global Platform With Local Impact
As an Academy Award–qualifying festival, SLIFF’s juried short film winners are eligible for Oscar consideration—an honor that places St. Louis on the international film stage.
The festival’s blend of prestige, diversity, and inclusivity continues to draw film lovers, students, and artists alike, all eager to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling.
Conclusion
The St. Louis International Film Festival 2025 stands as one of the Midwest’s premier cultural events—an 11-day cinematic journey across continents and perspectives. With 250 films, representing 39 countries, and a theme that celebrates connection beyond borders, it invites audiences to experience the world through the lens of art and empathy.
Screenings run through November 16, 2025. Visit cinemastlouis.org for tickets, schedules, and detailed program information.
