This outreach and educational concept was developed by the Beloit International Film Festival several years ago to promote and present films dealing with significant issues touching us as a community and as individuals.

“Life-changing” and “inspiring” are words that have been used to describe BIFF’s annual tribute to the human spirit. Encouraging change through the BIFF CARES series is BIFF’s way of recognizing the influence that film can have to move us.

Films, engaged filmmakers and local experts have dealt with topics ranging from teen homelessness and child abuse to end of life issues. One of the festival’s most successful programs, BIFF CARES films are presented multiple times in different venues, reaching thousands in the process.

This year’s BIFF CARES program will include a variety of films with a focus on mental health challenges and issues, from childhood to mature years. Films will examine the developmental repercussions of homelessness and the vulnerability of adolescents’ mental health created by electronic devices, to issues relating to post traumatic stress disorder, and one man’s effort to buoy the spirits of a sick child far from home.