10 must-see movies at 2025 NH Film Festival in Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH — New Hampshire filmmaker Aaron Wiederspahn has traveled to film festivals all over the country and the world, and he’s convinced the New Hampshire Film Festival is one of the best.
“Portsmouth stands out,” Wiederspahn said. “It’s not just the location: a beautiful seaside city with great restaurants and the ability to walk to every venue at the festival — it’s how the festival has grown in the quality of the work, the guests, the audience, and the community support. When you’re starting out as a filmmaker, you have a dream and hope. But you need to find a community of creatives and develop relationships. That’s the most important and impactful aspect of independent film festivals.”
Wiederspahn first attended the New Hampshire Film Festival 20 years ago. Now he and his wife are raising their family in the Keene area and he’s the executive producer of one of the hottest films on the circuit: “Blue Moon,” starring Ethan Hawke, which will make its New England premiere on Oct. 16 at the festival in Portsmouth.
“It’s a special movie that’s getting amazing reviews,” Wiederspahn said, “and I am so happy it’s playing in my backyard.”
Wiederspahn will be back at the NHFF this year, along with a group of supporters who are excited to get a first look at the film that’s been picked up by Sony Pictures Classics. Members of the film industry and the general public will have access to 100-plus films and a long weekend’s worth of panels, parties, and red‑carpet energy in downtown Portsmouth from Oct. 16-19. Programmers describe this year’s slate as both stellar and strikingly diverse — anchored by big‑name narratives, globe‑trotting indies, award‑season documentaries and animation.
“There’s truly something for every cinematic palate,” said The Music Hall cinema curator Mark Pruett.The 23rd annual New Hampshire Film Festival is now run by the nonprofit Music Hall. Day passes start at $30, and individual film tickets are also available. Screenings often sell out and seating isn’t guaranteed — arrive early or get a pass for guaranteed seating. Tickets can be purchased online or by visiting the festival headquarters at the McKeon Ticketing Hub (104 Congress St. in Portsmouth) Screening venues include The Music Hall historic theater, The Music Hall Lounge, 3S Artspace, The Moffatt-Ladd House, the Sheraton Harborside Hotel and Novocure headquarters.
Here are 10 films recommended by organizers of the NHFF in 2025:
1. Blue Moon (Drama, 100min)
Thursday, Oct. 16, 8 pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater.
Why see it: Richard Linklater turns his camera to Broadway legend Lorenz Hart on the 1943 opening night of “Oklahoma!,” with Ethan Hawke as the mercurial lyricist and Margaret Qualley among the stellar ensemble. Expect a character study with musical‑theater lore and Linklater’s trademark warmth. Executive producer Aaron Wiederspahn calls it a bittersweet long song to one of America’s greatest lyricists and a bygone era. He says theater lovers will especially enjoy the storytelling.
2. Jay Kelly (Drama, 132min)
Friday, Oct. 17, 8 pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater.
Why see it: George Clooney plays a world‑famous actor whose European whirlwind with his devoted manager, New Hampshire’s own Adam Sandler, turns unexpectedly reflective. Noah Baumbach directs and co‑writes, stacking the cast with Laura Dern, Riley Keough, Jim Broadbent and more. Star power with heart.
3. Dreams (Drama, 95min)
Saturday, Oct. 18, 8pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater
Why see it: Michel Franco’s bilingual romance/thriller pairs Jessica Chastain with Mexican ballet star Isaac Hernández in a story about ambition, reinvention and the costs of crossing borders— emotional and otherwise.
(Program notes flag strong sexual content.)
4. The Secret Agent (Thriller, 158min) – Cannes Winner
Sunday, Oct. 19, 6:30pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater
Why see it: Set in Recife during Brazil’s 1977 carnival week, Kleber Mendonça Filho’s latest follows a technology expert on the run, mixing political paranoia with sensuous cityscape. It won Best Director and Best Actor (Wagner Moura) at Cannes this spring— rare twin honors that cement it as a must‑see.
5. Arco (Animation/Fantasy, 82min)
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2:05pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater
Why see it: A time‑traveling boy in a rainbow suit falls from the sky in 2075 and befriends Iris, a 10‑year‑old girl, launching an all‑ages adventure from director Ugo Bienvenu. The voice cast is a kick—Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo and Andy Samberg.
6. Love+War (Documentary, 96min)
Sunday, Oct. 19 at 4:25pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater
Why see it: Oscar‑winning documentarians E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin profile Pulitzer Prize–winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario, tracing the peril, purpose and pull of family that shape her career covering conflict zones. A clear awards‑season contender.
7. Rebuilding (Drama, 95min)
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 3:05pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater
Why see it: After a wildfire destroys his ranch, a reserved dad (Josh O’Connor) tries to stitch his life back together, reconnecting with his ex (Meghann Fahy) and their daughter. Expect quiet grace notes and emotional punch from director Max Walker‑Silverman.
8. Sirāt (Drama, 115min) – Cannes Winner
Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2:05pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater
Why see it: A father and son trace rave culture through Morocco’s mountains and desert in Oliver Laxe’s hypnotic road‑odyssey, winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes. Come for the trance‑like atmosphere; stay for the aching questions about freedom, family and faith.
9. Our Hero, Balthazar (Drama/Dark Comedy, 91min)
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 5:50pm at The Music Hall Historic Theater (with Q&A following the film)
Why see it: A dark comedy-drama co-written, directed, and produced by southern Maine’s Oscar Boyson has a 100% rating on the website Rotten Tomatoes! The film addresses social media, gun culture, teen angst and friendship through the eyes of two teenagers. Very relevant film. This is the film’s New England premiere and Boyson will be in attendance for the Q & A.
10. The Travel Companion (Dramedy, 91min)
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8pm at Novocure (with Q&A following the film)
Why see it: New Hampshire’s Alex Mallis co-wrote and co-directed the film along with Travis Wood and it’s getting a lot of buzz and great reviews. The film explores themes of friendship and ambition in the world of indie filmmaking.