Josh Duhamel Brings North Dakota Roots to Fargo Film Festival with “Preschool”

FARGO — North Dakota native Josh Duhamel is set to premiere his latest film, the comedy “Preschool,” at the 2026 Fargo Film Festival. Duhamel, who directed and stars in the film, will attend the premiere and participate in a live Q&A session. He will also receive the 2026 Ted M. Larson Award, the festival’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to the cinematic arts [Fargo Film Festival].

A Comedic Rivalry in London

“Preschool” follows two fathers, played by Duhamel and Michael Socha, as they compete for the last available spot at an exclusive preschool in London. The film explores the escalating rivalry between the two men and the lengths they will go to for their children [Fargo Film Festival]. The synopsis promises “big-hearted laughs, outrageous one‐upmanship, and surprising consequences.”

Return to His Roots

Duhamel, born in Minot, North Dakota, expressed the significance of premiering his film in Fargo. “Growing up in Minot, Fargo was always the big city,” he said [Inforum]. He described the Fargo Theatre as an “incredible, epic space” and emphasized the importance of showcasing his work at the festival [Inforum].

From “All My Children” to Directing

Duhamel began his career with roles on “All My Children” (1999-2002) and “Las Vegas” (2003-2008) [Wikipedia]. He gained wider recognition for his work in the “Transformers” film series, appearing in multiple installments [Wikipedia]. “Preschool” marks his third directorial effort, following “Buddy Games” (2019) and “Buddy Games: Spring Awakening” (2023) [Inforum].

Balancing Career and Family

Duhamel, a father to a 12-year-old son and expecting a daughter with his wife, Fargo native Audra Mari, noted that his roles are now considered with his family in mind [Inforum]. He is currently filming “The Rescue,” where he plays a “hillbilly mob boss” [Inforum], a role he embraced for its darker character.

Event Details

“Preschool” will screen at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, March 18, at the Fargo Theatre, located at 314 Broadway N. Tickets are $25, plus fees, and are available for purchase at FargoTheatre.org or at the Fargo Theatre box office [Fargo Film Festival].