Josh Duhamel's 'Preschool' Comedy Premieres in Fargo

The Minot native's new film draws laughs at the Fargo Theatre during the Fargo Film Festival.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 6:04am

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Actor Josh Duhamel premiered his new comedy film 'Preschool' at the Fargo Theatre as part of the Fargo Film Festival. Duhamel directed, produced, and starred in the film, which is set and shot in London and features him and Michael Socha as fathers competing to get their children the last spot in an elite preschool. The packed-house event was a dream come true for the Minot native, who said he was thrilled to bring the movie back home to premiere it in front of friends and family.

Why it matters

Duhamel's return to his home state of North Dakota for the premiere of his new film highlights the continued growth and prominence of the Fargo Film Festival, which has become a major regional event for showcasing independent and locally-produced movies. The premiere also demonstrates Duhamel's commitment to his Midwestern roots and desire to share his creative work with the community that helped shape him.

The details

The comedy 'Preschool' follows Duhamel and Socha as fathers who become embroiled in a competitive rivalry to secure the last spot at an elite preschool for their young daughters. The film features physical comedy and escalating one-upmanship between the two characters as they try to outmaneuver each other. Duhamel, who has previously directed the 'Buddy Games' movies, shows a strong comedic touch in his directing, keeping the jokes and action moving at a brisk pace.

  • The Fargo Film Festival event took place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • Duhamel's new film 'Preschool' is currently available on streaming platforms.

The players

Josh Duhamel

An actor from Minot, North Dakota who directed, produced, and starred in the new comedy film 'Preschool'.

Michael Socha

Duhamel's co-star in 'Preschool', playing a father who competes with Duhamel's character to get their children into an elite preschool.

Audra Mari

Duhamel's wife, who had a non-speaking cameo in the film and received cheers from the Fargo crowd.

Bell Bank

The sponsor of the Fargo Film Festival for all 26 years of its existence.

Julie Peterson Klein

The chief of staff and chief culture officer at Bell Bank, who interviewed Duhamel on stage after the film's premiere.

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What they’re saying

“It's always been a dream of mine to bring a movie back home and premiere it at the Fargo Theatre with my friends and family. This is a dream come true.”

— Josh Duhamel

“I sparked to it because I've been through this. People will go crazy. Something about the script rang true.”

— Josh Duhamel

“It's like using both sides of your brain which is good because I don't normally use either.”

— Josh Duhamel

“I prefer to direct comedy because it's much more fun on the set. If the script is good and it's a story people will want to see, I'm all in.”

— Josh Duhamel

What’s next

Duhamel's next project is expected to be announced in the coming months, as he continues to balance his acting and directing work.

The takeaway

Josh Duhamel's return to his home state of North Dakota to premiere his new comedy 'Preschool' at the Fargo Theatre demonstrates his enduring connection to his Midwestern roots and the growing prominence of the Fargo Film Festival as a regional hub for independent and locally-produced films.