The New York Times White House Correspondent David Sanger joins us for an engaging on-stage conversation centering on current trends in international relations and politics, including those at the center of his latest New York Times best-selling book, New Cold Wars: China’s Ruse, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West.

In the book, Sanger explores the fast-paced, inside story of America’s plunge into a volatile rivalry with the other two great nuclear powers—Xi Jinping’s China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia. For years, the United States was confident that the newly democratic Russia and increasingly wealthy China could be lured into a Western-led order that promised prosperity and relative peace—so long as these former rivals agreed to Washington’s terms. But by the time America emerged from the early 2000’s age of terrorism, it was clear that this had been a fantasy. Now the three powers are engaged in a high-stakes struggle for military, economic, political, and technological supremacy, with nations around the world pressured to take sides. Sanger reflects on this maneuver for influence in a world far more turbulent than once imagined.

David E. Sanger has covered Washington for The New York Times since 1982, covering foreign policy, globalization, nuclear proliferation and the presidency. He has been a member of three teams that won the Pulitzer Prize and has been awarded numerous honors for national security and foreign policy coverage. Bringing both ties to Vermont and a powerful perspective on world affairs, Sanger’s visit to MNFF is a highlight of the festival’s 2025 program, promising insights and revelation. Moderated by VT Digger Editor-in-Chief Geeta Anand.

An Indian immigrant mother helps her adopted twin daughters reconnect with their white birth mother and estranged Native American father, exposing raw class divides while transforming their understanding of identity and belonging.

After missing his chance to become Afghanistan’s first Olympic skier, a coach inspires his home village to create its own ski competition. Young athletes build makeshift wooden skis and compete in a mountain race that brings unity, peace and triumph–lessons they must call upon when their world is suddenly upended.

The arrest of trusted midwives ignites an unexpected rebellion, as Amish and Mennonite women break from tradition and emerge as fierce political activists.

How do you live on an island whose cheapest freestanding house costs $1.8 million? This student documentary explores the lives of Nantucket’s year-round community members as they try to make a home in one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets.

A program of four narrative shorts, including Learners, Cliff Edge, Overcomers and Sally Get the Potatoes.

Prior to our closing night film, we present our juried awards and prizes. Join us for a celebration of our prize-winning filmmakers and the festival supporters who make these prizes possible.

A program of four student narrative shorts, including The Custodian, Sunshine City, Kosher Test and My Father’s Wedding.