Congrats to all the filmmakers, composers, musicians, and supporters who made Film Score Fest 2025 a monumental success!

Stay tuned for the newly-announced Film Score Fest Denver in 2026 and Film Score Fest St. Paul in 2027!

If you missed the fest, enjoy these livestreams recorded by Studio Upgrade:

1pm Performance

7pm Performance

What is Film Score Fest?

Film Score Fest, now in its ninth year, pairs filmmakers and composers to create an original short film in four months or less.

The twist? They’re paired at random, with composers writing music in response to their partner’s film – that will be played by a live 16-piece orchestra at each showing! 

The result is a one-of-a-kind audience experience and a celebration of filmmakers, animators, and all types of music-makers of all styles and skill levels. Because there’s no fee for artists to participate, Film Score Fest is the only festival where audiences can experience the perspectives of some of the wildly creative, talented artists in our own communities. Whether you can’t stay away from a symphony or aren’t sure of the difference between a violin and a viola, this is the festival for you!

“Thrilling, boundary-pushing…Film Score Fest is a state treasure and a can’t-miss event.”

– Amy Donahue, Twin Cities Arts Reader (read the full review)

Film Music Meetups

Interested in learning about film scoring? Want to meet composers & filmmakers? Join us in St. Paul for our once-a-month Film Music Meetups, hosted by Film Score Fest and SPNN.