BIFF CARES

BIFF CARES 2020 looks at the healing power of caring for one another.

BIFF CARES 2020 presents films that shed light on health issues, depicted in new independent films that are informative, compelling, inspiring and moving.

This year the program consists of several amazing films that address loving and caring for those with Alzheimer’s, loving and caring for our returning veterans, and loving and caring for others across cultures.

Beloit Health System

When All That’s Left Is Love

Directed by Eric Gardon
Documentary Feature
USA | 77 min | 2019

Fri Feb 28, 2020 – 2:30 pm | Bagels & More
Sun Mar 1, 2020 – 2:30 pm | Hendricks Arts Center

When All That's Left Is Love poster | Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon, Director | When All That's Left Is Love

Synopsis

When All That’s Left is Love is the emotionally gripping story of a wife’s determination to care for her Alzheimer’s-stricken husband in their home. With unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access, the film reveals the toll that the disease takes on families coping with Alzheimer’s, while also showcasing the power of love that sustains both patients and caregivers.

Eric Gordon, Director

Unprescribed

Directed by
Steve Ellmore

Fri Feb 21, 2020 – 5:00 pm | Bagels & More
Sat Feb 22, 2020 – 12:00 pm | Hendricks Arts Center

Unprescribed | Steve Ellmore, Director

Steve Ellmore, Director | UnprescribedSynopsis:

Amid the opioid and suicide epidemics, military veterans across the nation are ditching prescription medications in favor of cannabis.

In his first feature-length documentary, producer, director, and military veteran Steve Ellmore chronicles the lives of fellow veterans, spouses, and family members coping with war-related trauma and the loss of loved ones to suicide brought on by the over-prescription of pharmaceuticals.

Steve Ellmore, Director

Grizzlies

Directed by Miranda de Pencier
Feature Narrative
Canada | 104 min | 2018

Fri Feb 28, 2020 – 5:00 pm | Bushel & Peck’s
Sat Feb 29, 2020 – 7:30 pm | Domenico’s

Grizzlies - Poster

Grizzlies - Miranda de Pencier

Synopsis:

Based on a true story, The Grizzlies is more than the usual triumph through sports story, for it doesn’t shy away from moving depictions of the poverty and isolation characteristic of too many northern communities.

When first-time teacher Russ Shepherd comes to Kugluktuk, he brings preconceived notions about northern life and no little hubris about his self-imposed mission to bring about change. An interconnected chain of dramatic incidents, however (and some quieter cross-cultural corrections) lead Russ to understand that education is a two-way street. Initially, the hastily built lacrosse team seems mild after- school fun, but soon becomes the lightening rod for the community’s differing views on its future.

Driven by remarkable performances by the young, Nunavut -based cast, and seeded with unassailable authenticity because of it’s dramatic location, The Grizzlies proves to be one of the most unexpectedly affirming films of the year.

Miranda de Pencier
Director

Harlem Vets Project

Directed by
T.B.A.

Date/Time/Location TBA
Date/Time/Location TBA

The Faces That Never Fade

Making of a Soldier - Nicolas StrangeSynopsis

TBA

Nicholas Stange
Teacher, Faculty Advisor
Harlem High School
Machesney Park, IL

BIFF - Beloit International Film Festival
BIFF | Beloit International Film Festival