Photos L-R: Joe Schwaba, Golden Mug presentation; Pete Schwaba, Keynote Speaker; JB Thompson, Jacob Lefeber and Ben Leasum; Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski, David Jackson and Adam Koepke; Student Filmmakers: Alli Karas, Jenavieve Plutz, Joely Hurkman, Albino Anzurez, Jacob Lefeber, Ben Leasum and Ben Cohn; 2026 Golden Mug Awards; Janique L. Robilard, Producer, with Chris Opper, DCFF Executive Director; 4th from left: Janique L. Robilard, Producer, The Librarians, and sponsors.
Fish Creek, Wis. (February 23, 2026) —The 17th Annual Door County Film Festival concluded on Saturday evening, February 14 with the presentation of the festival’s People’s Choice (Golden Mug) Awards for Best Student Film, Best Short Film, and Best Feature Film, plus a Jury Award judged by a committee of well-known Northeast Wisconsin filmmakers.
The People’s Choice Award for Best Student Film was awarded to Kiersten Hoff for her film ”Mindframe”; the People’s Choice Award for Best Short Film was awarded to Joe Schwaba for his film “Fail Safe”; and the People’s Choice Award for Best Feature Film was awarded to Kim A. Snyder for her documentary film “The Librarians.” The Jury Award was also presented to Joe Schwaba for his film “Fail Safe.” The winners of the Best Short, Best Feature and Jury Award all received an individual Golden Mug created by potter Larry “Thor” Thoreson of Gills Rock Pottery in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.
Executive Director Chris Opper said the 17th Annual Door County Film Fest featured ground-breaking films, special guests, and record ticket sales, and was held at Northern Sky Theater’s Gould Theater from Feb. 12th-14th.
“This year’s festival hosted 30 films and an impressive 22 filmmakers in attendance,” said Opper. “Seven of the films screened were documentaries, and the producer of “The Librarians,” Janique L. Robillard, was present to discuss her feature and the ongoing fight against censorship in libraries and schools across the United States. The award-winning project was previously selected by the Sundance Film Festival. Director Dave Jackson was also present to participate in a Q+A session about his documentary film, “The Truth Will Set You Free.” The film featured the life of rock’n roll photographer Marty “Meatman” Sosnowski, and told a universal story of music, friendship, addiction, and loss.”
In its 17th year, the Door County Film Festival featured a number of special guests, including PBS Director’s Cut host Pete Schwaba as Keynote Speaker and Destination Door County’s Jon Jarosh, who discussed the local economic impact of the feature film “A Cherry Pie Christmas,” filmed in Door County in March-April 2024. One of the film’s two stars, Katie Leclerq, filmed a special address for the audience, as did director Joe Burke of the feature “Burt,” Door County resident Luke Filar, of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, and the new Wisconsin Film Office Director Veronica Pope. Rep. Jerry O’Connor, who serves as the Chair of the Wisconsin Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, sent a written address about the growing opportunities that are being developed within the Wisconsin film scene.
The 2027 Door County Film Festival will take place Thursday, February 11 – Saturday, February 13 at Northern Sky Theater’s Gould Theater, located at 9058 County Road A, Fish Creek, Wisconsin 54212.
For more information about the 2027 event, visit doorcountyfilmfest.com or contact festival director Chris Opper (dcshortfilmfest@gmail.com).
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