The Fargo Film Festival has announced the lineup for its 16th year.

The most anticipated films of this year include “Lost Conquest,” a documentary set and shot in Minnesota about an ancient Viking conquest; “My Feral Heart,” the story of a boy with Down’s syndrome who forms an unlikely friendship with a young gardener and “Welcome to Leith,” the documentary about the attempted takeover of Leith, N.D. by white supremacist Craig Cobb.

“Welcome to Leith” is by far the biggest film of the festival, and the one that hits closest to home. It has been a wide success on the festival circuit after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival.

The other films, as well as showtimes, can be found on the Fargo Film Festival’s website.

Since its creation in 2000, the festival has grown from a local fixture to an international event.

Five of the films showing this year were made in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Sixteen are from different states, and there are 15 from foreign countries. In total, the Fargo Film Festival will be showing more than 100 films over the course of 5 days, a big jump since its original conception.

“The first festival was 2.5 days long and featured approximately 30 films,” said Emily Beck, the Fargo Theatre executive director. “We’re hoping to keep growing every year.”

Not only does the festival feature critically nominated films, but it also hosts the 2-Minute Film Contest. This gives locals a chance to show their talent alongside bigger films.

The films featured at the Fargo Film Festival are relatively unheard of, making it an exciting chance to experience something new within the Fargo-Moorhead community.

“Most of the films in any festival are made by independent artists working out of the Hollywood mainstream. Many do not have professional theatrical distribution,” Beck explained. “We have great dramas, comedies, documentaries, animated films and experimental pieces. There really is something for everyone.”

This year is also exciting because of the amount of talented individuals coming from all around the country and world to discuss and present their films. More than 40 directors, producers, actors and writers will be coming to Fargo to support their screenings and interact with local audiences.

The Fargo Film Festival has become a staple in the Fargo community, and for good reason. The amount of diversity in the films and the opportunities to meet with the individuals who made the films make this festival unique.

Ticket Information:

WHAT: Fargo Film Festival
WHEN: March 15 – 19
WHERE: Fargo Theatre
PRICE: $5 for students
MORE INFO: Facebook event page, or call (701) 239-8385