Did you know that Milwaukee hosts an International Film Festival? While not as widely known as those done in Toronto, New York, or San Francisco, it doesn't mean that someone is just saving videos off YouTube and putting them on a DVD, either.

The festival will be featuring more than 100 movies from 25 countries around the world. Such movies include The Ax, which is a French comedy about a guy who needs a job and decides the best way to land one is to murder the other applicants, to Maxed Out, a documentary about the financial struggles of Americans with credit card debt, and the companies that feed that willingly perpetuate that debt.

This year's festival opens with a Gala event on Thursday, October 19th, at the Milwaukee Art Museum's Windhover Hall and closes on Saturday, October 28th, with a celebratory conclusion that includes the award announcements for each category at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center.

The opening night movie is The Queen, starring Helen Mirren as the Queen of England as she struggles with the death of Princess Diana and the public's perception of the Royal Family vs. that of the rising popularity of newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair.

A spotlight will be cast upon director and actor Harold Ramis on Saturday, October 21st, as he visits Milwaukee and three of his movies are shown. The classic comedy Stripes (in which he co-starred with Bill Murray) will be shown with Analyze This (directed by Ramis and starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal) at the Downer Theatre and Groundhog Day (directed by Ramis, starring Bill Murray) will play at the Oriental Theatre.

Click the Read link below to visit the official web site for their full schedule and to purchase tickets for the movies and events.