Sound Unseen

In the fall of 1999, Sound Unseen introduced itself as a unique, cutting edge “films-on-music” festival in Minneapolis, MN. It has since established itself as one of the premiere niche festivals in the country, but more importantly as a vital part of the regional cultural scene. Now in its 25th year, the festival has expanded to include year-round programming, unique pop-up events, and special screenings including world and regional premieres. In 2020, they expanded the festival to Austin, TX and in 2023, they expanded to Rochester, MN.

Named “One of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals In The World” in 2016 and 2019 & “One of 20 Great Film Festivals for First-Time Moviemakers” in 2022 by MovieMaker Magazine, the “Best Winter Film Festival” by the Star Tribune 2012, and the “Best of the Fests 2010” from Mpls/St Paul Magazine, Sound Unseen continues its tenure as the region’s premiere films-on-music festival. While bringing the best in documentaries, short films, and music videos it also showcases rare concert footage, interactive panels, and live music events. As part of its year-round presence, Sound Unseen offers a successful monthly screening series and special events throughout the Twin Cities. This diversity in content is one of the things that separates Sound Unseen from the typical outdoor mega concerts and film festivals.

Sound Unseen has received press coverage in local Minneapolis and Austin media outlets including Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, City Pages, Racket, Austin Chronicle, and Secrets of the City; radio stations The Current, KQRS, MPR, Radio K, KUTX, and KFAI and television news including NBC, FOX, and CBS. National media mentions have included Deadline, Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and USA Today.