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BIFF Classroom
Description: Since its inception, BIFF has been aware that the best way to thrive in any community is to give something back to those who have supported you. BIFF CLASSROOM is a group of programs that have been developed for nearly two decades, taking the knowledge that the festival has gathered from one year to another and sharing it with a wide array of local students.
- Kids@BIFF — area 5th graders
- Student Filmmaker Workshop and Showcase — 7th-12th grades
- BIFF Classroom for Seniors — Society for Learning Unlimited
Programs are underwritten through generous support of area grant foundations, corporations and private donors.
Kids@BIFF
Area 5th Grade Students
One of BIFF’s most effective and respected community outreach programs, KIDS@BIFF has brought thousands of young people together in an effort to teach critical thinking skills by way of independent film criticism.
In partnership with the school district of Beloit, as well as Kids First! and the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, KIDS@BIFF engages area 5th grade students in discussions of film quality.
The program includes classroom visits from BIFF staff, and a field trip to the Central Christian Church theater in Beloit, where students will watch and critique a collection of short films produced especially for kids.
Student Filmmakers
Workshop and Showcase
Student workshops culminating in a screening of student’s films during BIFF week!
Student Filmmakers Workshop
Open to students grades 7th-12th. FREE!
The showcase, sponsored by Blackhawk Technical College, is designed for students from the area and targets Grade 7 to Grade 12. The program is held at CareerTek in Beloit under the supervision of Susan Day, with educational direction from Beloit filmmakers, Marjorie and Brenton Driscoll of Peer Canvas. Students will learn screenwriting, smartphone-based camera work, acting, lighting, editing, etc., over a four-week series of sessions, culminating in a BIFF festival screening of all the finished short films, on Wednesday, April 10, at 5:30pm. Free to the public. The best in show films will receive a mini BIFFY award.
LOCATION: CareerTek, 625 3rd St., Beloit
CAPACITY LIMIT: 12 students:
PRICE: FREE
Snacks will be provided!
Information: Hendricks Careertek (608) 312-4770
Student Filmmakers Showcase
The screening of workshop student’s films during BIFF week.
FREE
Wednesday, April 10th, 5:30pm
Powerhouse, Beloit College
850 Pleasant Street.
Sponsored by:
Award Winners Archive
BIFF Classroom For Seniors
BIFF also reaches out to local seniors and retirees by way of the Beloit College Society for Learning Unlimited (SLU) program and the Rock Valley College Center for Learning in Retirement program (CLR), where BIFF staff shares an inside look at how a film festival works, and previews new independent film submissions that foster dialog and provide a unique experience for older students.