A film is something fake that feels real. The film industry, as I’ve observed it, could be described as fake until it becomes real. The line between fake and real is practically invisible until money changes hands.
As today’s column shows (gift link), the film industry could be a potent cultural tool and economic driver for northern Minnesota. We hear a lot of puffed up talk, of course, but also some see some meaningful activity.
The problem with any “new” industry in a region is that it is unknown to local political leaders and business owners. Sometimes they fail to see opportunity and other times bet big on the wrong thing.
I’ve been watching the growth of a local film industry in northern Minnesota with interest, but a great deal of skepticism. The Iron Range town of Chisholm knows both success and failure in film. Nevertheless, it remains a small hub of film buzz. Today’s column explores northern Minnesota’s film and television opportunities as they stand today; not huge, but notable, and something to build on.
Read “Resurgent film industry can elevate Minnesota to the A-list” in the Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist and member of the editorial board for the Minnesota Star Tribune. His new book about Hibbing Mayor Victor Power and his fight against the world’s largest corporation will be out soon.
