Greg Gerard Executive Director

We analyzed the statistics, discussed at length, checked with the authorities, and made the decision to put BIFF back on the ground, in-person, and in our beloved venues, as the “film festival gods” originally intended! At this writing we are still at the mercy of the ever-changing pandemic. But we have rolled the dice and have committed to a festival that will be in the tradition that BIFF fans and filmmakers have been accustomed to for seventeen years, save 2021. We are ready for you, BIFF Nation! Join us!

It’s important to point out that while we do want our guests to gather in robust numbers, we also want to be sure that safety is a priority. We have decided that masks will be a must in all BIFF venues during the 2022 festival. City of Beloit venues already have mask mandates in place. In an effort to be consistent festival-wide, we are asking everyone to comply in non-city and non-campus facilities, as well. We feel that it’s a small inconvenience to endure in order to be able to gather together and enjoy great independent films again. Please help us with this effort.

And speaking of venues…we not only have our longtime and loyal establishments, Bagels & More, La Casa Grande, Domenico’s and the Hendricks Center back in the lineup. We’ve added three more new and exciting locales, as well. Now you can enjoy films in the fresh environs of the Downtown Beloit Association facility, Visit Beloit, and the new Irontek venue at the Ironworks Campus.

While we intend to be in-person this year, we haven’t forgotten those who may not feel comfortable with that format, or may not be mobile enough to venture to the city center. BIFF learned how to mount a virtual festival last year, and we’re not going to let all of that education go to waste. We will be offering a select list of films online that you can view at home. So now you can enjoy BIFF downtown, or in the comfort of your living room…or both!

And what about the films? Well, we have a bunch! Over 136 films including features, shorts and music videos. And we’re adding some new genres: horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Plus, a block of incredible films from our newest festival partner, the Luang Prabang Film Festival in Laos. BIFF has never seen so much variety!

Of course, we could not do this every year without two key components: our loyal sponsors and tireless volunteers. Our thanks to all of them for continuing to help us make BIFF the high-quality arts and entertainment event that it is, and always has been.

Please join us for a whole new BIFF experience this year. And all you have to do is park once and stroll the city center. We really are The Walkable Film Festival!