FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Marty Densch- BIFF Executive Director
608-774-8655, marty@beloitfilmfest.org

Beloit, Wis. — New independent films set in the American Southwest, on battlefields abroad and in the local community will be part of this year’s Beloit Health System BIFF CARES series at the Beloit International Film Festival.

The annual program of films focused on critical health issues has attracted large audiences since the initial days of BIFF. This year, films will examine approaches to the opioid crisis and will shed light on the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. For the third year in a row, the Harlem High School Harlem Vets Project will share their unique and powerful films that capture the experiences of local Veterans of various generations.

The Providers is a film set against the backdrop of the physician shortage and opioid epidemic in rural America. It follows three healthcare providers in northern New Mexico that offer care to all who walk through their clinic doors. Amidst personal struggles that reflect those of their patients, the documentary shows the transformative power of providers’ relationships with marginalized patients.

Light in the Darkness examines PTSD, the hidden epidemic affecting ten percent of the American population. The feature length documentary is dedicated to adding to our understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Colorless continues the series of interview-style pieces that have been the foundation of the project created by the students at Harlem High School in Machesney Park, Ill. The film focuses on a local Vietnam vet whose stories show the impact of war and battle on a soldier.

In My Friend Ingrid, the Harlem students turn attention to a civilian setting in which two local women share stories of WWII from a different perspective.

BIFF is also pleased to screen, the latest short film regarding the Beloit Vets Roll organization as part of the program.

Each of the feature films will be screened separately and the Harlem Vets Project films and Beloit Vets Roll film will be shown together several times during BIFF. For times and venues, please check beloitfilmfest.org or see the printed program available throughout the area.

Tickets are $9 plus handling fee online in advance, or $10 after Feb. 21.

The Beloit International Film Festival this year marks its 14th season as the region’s major international cultural event. BIFF is sponsored by the Hendricks Family Foundation and Visit Beloit in association with Beloit College. Support for the Festival comes from area businesses and civic organizations, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Critical individual support for BIFF is provided through gifts and membership in the BIFF Founders and the Film Society of Beloit.