The upcoming Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival offers students affordable opportunities to enjoy worldwide cinema, according to film festival director Eric Wilson.

“(The festival) is a great way for students to see world-class films and meet world-class filmmakers without having to travel around the globe to do so,” Wilson said. “The $7 student tickets make it possible to see a couple movies without breaking the bank.”

According to sophomore Kinsey Scott, the film festival provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world.

“I’ve heard about the festival and I think it’s awesome for students to go to something like the film festival to be more culturally aware,” Scott said.

According to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), the festival, organized by the non-profit Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, includes numerous films ranging from Swedish dramas to local Minnesota made documentaries.

Wilson said the festival added additional venues to accommodate for growing interest.

“For our 35th year, we’ve expanded to show films at the St. Anthony Main Theatre, Uptown Theatre, Metropolitan State University and McNally Smith College of Music,” Wilson said.

According to senior Graham Krake-Price, the film festival allows students to take advantage of local offerings.

“I think it’s pretty cool that we have the opportunity to see global films right here in the Twin Cities,” Krake-Price said.

The film festival runs through April 23. Students can find more information regarding the festival and venues through the film festival website.