“Our fans, our supporters and our base is the people of Beloit,” says Beloit International Film Festival Executive Director Marty Densch. “Without them, BIFF would be challenged in its efforts to attract outstanding filmmakers and films from around the world.”

This season, BIFF has launched its BE A BIFFSTER campaign to encourage financial support of BIFF from that important constituency on a sustaining basis. Sustained giving involves committing to a monthly contribution to BIFF that is automatically deducted from a credit card. “Over the year, this would accumulate but it would also help us to weather those slow months when people are not necessarily thinking about the films of February,” says Densch.

“It couldn’t be easier. Your Sustaining Gift will be transferred each month. No checks, no envelopes, and it is renewable until you say stop. BIFFSTERS keep the Beloit International Film Festival’s year-round entertainment and education programs going and growing through sustained giving.”

Biffsters can give as little as $5 a month and enjoy special discounts during BIFF plus two free BIFFicates for use during BIFF.

This type of sustained giving has become very popular in recent years and critical to cultural organizations such as BIFF.

BIFF will do a limited mailing in the next few weeks and will distribute the new brochure outlining ways to support BIFF throughout the Film Festival.

“BIFFSTERS who make this important commitment keep the Beloit Renaissance alive and Beloit’s reputation spreading,” Densch adds.

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.