Currently, Fargo Theatre Executive Director Emily Beck’s office functions as an ersatz storage closet.
Tucked inside you’ll find a tumble of antique chairs and a coffee table from the second floor atrium stowed away while crews renovate and refresh the building with new chairs, fresh carpet and paint.
It’s all part of the theater’s 2026 renovation project aimed at updating and preserving the historic building ahead of its 100th year.
“Things are a little hectic around here,” Beck admitted, though she stood a little taller when speaking about timing. “Both the centennial and upcoming film festival are going to be true celebrations, especially for movie lovers, art lovers, and lovers of Fargo Theatre.”
Beck’s desk, which remains neat and well organized, contains important details about the centennial and the 26th annual Fargo Film Festival, all kicking off officially on March 17 in Fargo.
And while those details are still being shaped, including about a surprise guest to be announced soon, Beck wants the community to know about a few of this year’s festival highlights.
“There are so many films I’m personally really excited to share with audiences. From a short documentary called ‘Tiny Movements’ to the much anticipated screening of ‘Medora,’ there’s a little something for everyone this year,” Beck said, including several movies about our region.
‘Tiny Movements’
Short documentary
24:44
Produced By Laura Sweeney, Jenn Green and Michelle Botticelli
Screening at the festival on March 17 at 7:00 p.m.
On opening night, the festival unveils the screening of “Tiny Movements” is a survivor-focused short documentary about healing from domestic violence and sexual assault through dance.
“When a dancer and mother discovers that her husband had been drugging and assaulting her for years, she uses her art to reclaim her sense of self, safety, and community” Beck said.
Based on the story of professional contemporary dancer Jenn Green, who went viral online in 2020 with Tiny Kitchen Dances where she posted herself dancing every day for three years.
The film “Tiny Movements” recounts her story and the legal and emotional battles that ensue as a result of her abuse.
“Tiny kitchen dances began as an intuitive healing/taking back, using my years of movement practice. Now it has expanded to @tinymovementsfilm,” Green describes on her Instagram account.
The less-than-24-minute film packs all the emotion in, according to Beck, whose own eyes got teary as she recalled seeing “Tiny Movements” for the first time.
“It’s a tough, but ultimately triumphant journey,” she said.
Both the director Laura Sweeney and Green will attend the festival. “Tiny Movements” will receive the 2026 Ruth Landfield Award which recognizes excellence in films that celebrate women of courage, conviction and compassion.
‘Brooklyn, MN’
Full-length narrative film
Directed by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen
Screening at the festival on March 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Another anticipated title premiering at the festival this year is “Brooklyn, MN,” which follows a teen and their father as they move back to Minnesota. Along the way, Maisie upsets long-standing family traditions, falls in love, and makes her family face their issues.
Co-starring Amy Madigan, who is up for an Oscar for her 2025 performance as Aunt Gladys in “Weapons,”nearly 40 years after she received her first award for 1986’s “Twice in a Lifetime.”
‘Bigfoot Woods’
Full-length narrative film
Directed by Elizabeth Chatelain
Screening at the festival on March 21 at 1:30 p.m.
Co-starring Rich Sommer of “Mad Men” fame, among others, “Bigfoot Woods” follows a teenager grappling with gender identity who accidentally records Bigfoot footage. Their family confronts the town’s unwillingness to accept the child’s transition from girl to boy, preferring to embrace the Bigfoot myth.
“Finding yourself while finding Bigfoot – this is truly a Minnesota coming of age story.” Beck said. “In the end, ‘Bigfoot Woods’ is a heartwarming tale of acceptance, love and family.”
‘Medora: Empress of the Badlands”
Full-length film
Directed by Daniel Bielinski
Last but not least, Beck said audiences are particularly excited about the premiere of “Medora,” a film released in 2025 that recounts the true story of Medora, the wife of Marquis de Mores. Set in 1883 Dakota Territory, the film follows Medora and her husband as they try to live their dreams of building a new home, a new town, and a meat-packing empire.
“This is one that’ll likely pack the house,” Beck said, encouraging festival goers to check in on event happenings online at https://fargofilmfestival.org/.
Announcements and a full festival schedule will be posted soon at fargotheatre.org.
To learn more about Fargo Theatre’s centennial, visit fargotheatre.org/centennial.
