Discover Wisconsin 2020 – Beloit
Discover Wisconsin is the nation’s longest running tourism TV show that features destinations throughout Wisconsin. The most recent episode was filmed in Beloit.
Discover Wisconsin is the nation’s longest running tourism TV show that features destinations throughout Wisconsin. The most recent episode was filmed in Beloit.
No tickets required for this FREE screening.
Sunday March 4, 2018 — 2:30 PM
Schubert’s Luxury 10 Theater
2799 Cranston Rd. Beloit
BIFF Classroom is the Beloit International Film Festival program designed to attract young, critical audiences to the world of film.
Since BIFF’s inception, KIDS@BIFF has brought thousands of elementary school-aged children to share their ideas about films and to learn how to look at media critically.
Once again this year, working with KIDS FIRST, a program of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, Kids@BIFF will engage area fifth graders in discussions of quality film.
Some 850 students from Beloit and South Beloit will participate this year as they share their critiques and watch films in school and in a special program at Luxury 10 Cinema the week before BIFF.
An addition to the BIFF Classroom program this year will be Help Yourself Films. Help Yourself Films is a partnership with the Beloit College Help Yourself program, a community outreach initiative for low-income, minority, marginalized and under-represented youth,12-18, in the Greater Beloit area.
The new initiative has been designed in consultation with Help Yourself Director Regina Hendrix and Beloit College Professor of Media Studies Joe Bookman. In December, students engaged in discussions and activities designed to help them plan their film projects. Using cameras provided by Beloit College and smartphones, students were taught basic filmmaking skills and concepts.
Students will then be directed to use these skills to capture the story of Beloit as if they were aliens who had crash landed on planet Earth and were trying to determine where they were. The goal of the activity is for them to gain appreciation for and pride in where they come from.
Saturday March 3rd.
2:30 pm
Beloit Public Library
FREE, Open to the public
They will have further opportunities to learn about their storytelling abilities during BIFF2018 when they will meet with and discuss their work with director, producer and award winning BIFF Artist-in-Residence, Damien Patrik. They will then share their cinematic visions with the public at a special BIFF screening.
5th grade students from Aldrich, Cunningham, Fruzen and McNeel Intermediate Schools.
For the tenth straight year BIFF, in partnership with Kristy Champion and the School District of Beloit, presented its annual Kids@BIFF field trips on February 14 & 15 at Schubert’s Luxury 10 Theater in Beloit.
5th Grade students from area middle schools assembled to watch short films and learn critical thinking skills as they became official BIFF film critics for a day. Approximately 1000 students took part in this year’s program.
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Mothers and daughters attending BIFF together. It has become a tradition for a growing number of mothers and daughter’s for quality time together according to Festival staff and attendees.
Greg Gerard, Director of Programming unveiled his HOT LIST at our reveal party tonight. Looking for suggestions for what to see during BIFF 2018, here is his list broken out by category.
The Beloit International Film Festival will celebrate the art of filmmaking and help inspire a new generation of artists this year with the establishment of the post of BIFF Artist-in-Residence.
This year, BIFF CARES, sponsored by the Beloit Health System, will present films that will examine current issues relating to families in this community that look at ADHD diagnoses in children and the concerns surrounding the lives and the care of our veterans.
Since BIFF’s inception, KIDS@BIFF has brought thousands of elementary school-aged children to share their ideas about films and to learn how to look at media critically.
BIFF will be revealed in print at 5 p.m. on Feb.7. at the Beloit Hampton Inn at 2700 Cranston Rd. Each evening all BIFF long, the Janesville law firm of Nowlan & Mouat LLP Presents Beloit After Dark—the BAD celebration of musical talent.
This year, BIFF is again joining forces with The Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, for the screening of the historic comedy blockbuster The Cameraman, featuring Buster Keaton.
Following on a survey taken in the fall, the film the community would most like to see again on the big screen is the 1973 Oscar winner, The Sting. Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, it is the story of two grifters who team up to pull off the ultimate con.
One of the most popular elements of BIFF in recent years has been a throwback to the past in content and technology. This year BIFF welcomes the Janesville Radio Players for a performance of the radio drama, All About Eve.
BIFF will be revealed in print at 5 p.m. on Feb.7. at the Beloit Hampton Inn at 2700 Cranston Rd.
The Beloit International Film Festival means more than just ten days of great independent film. It means nine nights of live music in Downtown Beloit. It means it is Party Season.
BIFF After Dark—the B.A.D. celebration of musical talent is something for everyone with nightly drink specials, no cover charges and BIFF’s official brew, Stella Artois.
Friday, Feb 23rd. 6:30 pm
Scodwell is the highly respected veteran of the Big Band music scene, having played with all the great legendary stars…including Sammy, Frank, Elvis, and Barbra. A unique opportunity to hear one of the greats.
Also, be sure to check out the outdoor light show provided by Laser Light Fusion from 5:30-10:30pm. Projections will be shown on three downtown buildings.
Saturday, Feb 24th. 9:00 pm
Classic and southern rock, R&B and traditional blues.
Sunday, Feb 25th. 7:00 pm
The popular Wisconsin performer offers an evening of acoustic guitar and authentic vocal interpretations of the Eagles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Neil Young and Bob Dylan.
Monday, Feb 26th. 6:30 pm
Local favorite groups and, perhaps, even you at the mic. The Dave Potter Trio kicks the week off with a Blues Jam hosted by area guitarist Dave Potter and his crew. Sit back or sit in!
Tuesday, Feb 27th. 8:00 pm
Big Mac, Dr. Ed and Pete will take you on a musical journey that you have never been on before, from “twisted” covers to clever originals.
Wednesday, Feb 28th. 8:00 pm
Russ and his cohorts entertain you and possibly accompany you. You might even get to see a few of the BIFF staff onstage displaying hidden talents.
Thursday, Mar 1st. 7:00 pm
These local legends will light up the night starting at 7 p.m. Great lead into BIFF2018’s second amazing weekend!
Friday, Mar 2nd. 9:00 pm
Finn Bomgaars, the area’s leading authority on all things Karaoke, brings his unique style and deep catalog to the Suds stage! Now it’s your turn to show off your inner entertainer or just watch BIFF’s talented filmmakers show their stuff.
Saturday, Mar 3rd. 9:00 pm
Join Greg Gerard & Kevin Patrick of The Orphans fame for a classic evening of your favorite feel-good songs from the 70s and beyond.
Our BIFF 2018 Honorary Chair
Ryan is an actor, writer, producer, and director. And he is a hometown boy. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School, earned a degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout then joined The Second City in Chicago to work as an actor and writer. His bio includes countless acting credits in television, film, and commercials, as well as writing, directing, and producing credits. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in welcoming Ryan Churchill.
Directed by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree
After that first BIFF event in 2006 we realized that we had unleashed something truly significant. As you well know, film can be a potent force. It can make people laugh, it can make people cry. It can touch them deep inside and make them look at the world in a whole new light.
As its name suggests, this award was created to spotlight that awesome power. It is given to a film that shares with the world a powerful, life-changing message. The winner this year absolutely fits this description.
Finalists:
Directed by Kelly Richmond Pope
The Golden Laurels Award goes to a film that in one way or another is in a league of its own. The award this year goes to a film that took us completely by surprise. Because of its local interest we knew it would be popular and we suspected we might have to schedule additional screenings but we were not prepared for just how popular it was going to be.
Additional screenings would sell out almost as soon as they were announced. Originally slated for two screenings, we added two more, then another, then another, and another after that. Words like smash hit, blockbuster, phenomenon just don’t seem adequate to describe it. Honestly, in the history of BIFF we have never seen anything like it.
Directed by Andrew Kightlinger
Finalists:
Directed by Erik Ljung
Finalists:
Directed by Daniel Stine
Finalists:
Directed by Nancy Schiesari
For weeks throughout the year, our film audience gathers to pre-view and review selected BIFF-eligible films. Together they select a winner before BIFF even starts.
Finalists:
Directed by Tobias Bechtloff
A very special friend of BIFF was Josh Burton, who we lost in 2007. As a professional actor, Josh had a successful career on Broadway but returned home to become a driving force in the Greater Beloit arts community. He entertained countless local audiences both as an actor and as a producer as he helped create a professional summer theater company in residence at Beloit College.
In that spirit, the Josh Burton Award acknowledges a film deserving of recognition for bringing something truly special to the stage, or in this case, the screen.
Finalists:
Directed by Michael McGuire
Finalists:
Directed by Ryan Allsop
Finalists:
Directed by Robert Bruce Carter
Finalists:
If you need hi-res images contact us at
webmaster(at)beloitfilmfest(dot)org
The Beloit International Film Festival focuses most of its ten days to the work of emerging filmmakers, focusing on the narratives, documentaries and short films they are producing today.
But one of the most popular elements of BIFF in recent years has been a throwback to the past in content and technology. On opening night, leading off the festivities, vintage classic radio becomes the art form of the moment.
This year BIFF welcomes the Stage One Theatre Company for a performance of the radio drama, All About Eve. The hour-long performance will be live at La Casa Grande on Fri., Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. It will be simultaneously broadcast live on WCLO Radio replete with music, sound effects and a live studio audience.
Sponsored by Beloit Regional Hospice and WCLO Radio, the free presentation transform the spacious screening venue at La Casa Grande.
All About Eve is based on the Oscar winning 1950 movie starring Bette Davis as a highly regarded but aging Broadway star whose career is threatened by an ambitious young fan who insinuates herself into her life and her personal relationships.
“Vintage radio theatre has become a popular part of BIFF over recent years when they outstanding actors have broadcast Casablanca and the Maltese Falcon,” notes BIFF Executive Director Max Maiken. “It is extremely well done, whether you are introducing another generation to the way live radio used to be produced or taking a trip down memory lane yourself.
“And the nice twist on our production is that if you get there before the ‘ON AIR’ light goes on, you can get a taco and a margarita.”
Introducing
The Beloit International Film Festival will celebrate the art of filmmaking and help inspire a new generation of artists this year with the establishment of the post of BIFF Artist-in-Residence.
Damien Patrik, a familiar figure at BIFF with his warm demeanor and mane of white hair, will be the first filmmaker to serve in this capacity. A film producer, director and BIFF participant for years, Patrik received the Ken Hendrick’s Award for Excellence in 2016, recognizing his body of work and passion for filmmaking.
He will speak twice during BIFF and will work with young potential filmmakers in the Help Yourself after-school program at Beloit College.
Saturday Feb. 24th, 2:30 pm
Presented by: Damien Patric
How do filmmakers manipulate (in a good way, of course) you, the audience into feeling and thinking and being MOVED while watching their work?
In this workshop Director Damien Patrik will show examples and discuss just how filmmakers use lighting, costume, texture, composition, editing, music, sound, camera movement and more in ways that get you feeling the way they want you to feel, think the way they want you to think, and take on the perspective of a character in the film.
Be prepared-you’ll never be able to watch a film again strictly in unconscious mode, you’ll be paying attention to the director and how he helps you to understand the story, and most importantly, the people, in his work.
Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
625 3rd. St. Beloit
FREE
Online registration being given preference. Then first come first serve at the door.
Friday March 2nd, 8:30 PM
Presented by: Bates Wilder
Mastery through fun and re-evaluation of ‘simple process.’ The power of positives and recognition of the values of physicality. Also a proper approach to the awareness of the physical self without the disaster of ‘distraction.
Bates WilderBates Wilder has been acting professionally for the past 35 years and is thrilled to be included in the Belioit IFF. He’s a proud father of five, acting teacher, coach, stage manager, and writer. He’s also a prolific bird house builder. (Many of which you may have seen scattered throughout the film, “tater tot and Patton”.). His film credits include, “joy“, “Over there“, “Burning woman“, “Detroit“, “ Mulberry Tree“, and many others.
Television credits include showtimes’ “brotherhood”, also “Unsolved mysteries“, “America’s most wanted“, “The Spirit of Christmas”, “Lockdown”, “Sins of the Preacher” to name a few.
With a true passion for the art of acting he has dedicated many years to teaching and coaching The craft. Bates has numerous theater credits and a few awards for the same to boot.
If you’d like to be part of his acting discussion page, you’re welcome to, and please join ‘Bates Wilder Acting Studio’ on Facebook!“
BIFF 2018 Screening
The lead actor opposite Jessica Rothe in BIFF screening of Tater Tot & Patton.
Location:
Richardson Auditorium
Morse-Ingersoll Hall
Beloit College
FREE
Online registration being given preference. Then first come first serve at the door.
Saturday March 3rd, 11:00 am
Presented by: Damien Patrik
Patrik brings a wealth of experience to his workshops on “The Casting Process for Actors and Directors.” He offers the unique perspective gained from years of participation in auditions as an actor, as a casting director, and over the past decade, as the producer.
“Choose the right actors for your project, and your esteem as a director grows,” he says. “Choose the wrong ones and you could be seen as the next Ed Wood” referring to the Hollywood outcast director who persevered with little commercial success.
His fast-paced interactive workshop focuses on why casting is so important to a director’s success. “How to do it in a way where you attract the best talent and create a space for them to do their best work. Actors will learn how to take control of their auditions, showcase their talent, and get hired.”
During the workshops, there will be an opportunity for several actors to participate in live auditions/interviews.
Location:
Hendricks CareerTek
625 3rd. St. Beloit
FREE
Online registration being given preference. Then first come first serve at the door.
Discover Wisconsin is a TV show that features towns and cities throughout Wisconsin. The premiere Beloit screening Tuesday Feb. 27th, 5:30 pm at LaCasa Grande.
The Beloit International Film Festival will present 35 films from Wisconsin and Illinois as part of the annual WI/IL Showdown at BIFF2018.
Sponsored by:
BIFF CARES To Examine ADHD and Veterans Issues at BIFF2018
For the past eight years, the Beloit International Film Festival has devoted a portion of each Festival to films addressing issues and concerns in the community. Under the heading BIFF CARES, the films and discussions have dealt with a wide range of topics, from Homelessness to aging to smartphone addiction.
This year, BIFF CARES, sponsored by the Beloit Health System, will present films that will examine current issues relating to families in this community that look at ADHD diagnoses in children and the concerns surrounding the lives and the care of our veterans.
Directed by Alessandro Beltrame
Documentary Feature
USA | 94 min | 2016
Directed by Ralston, Burke, Stange
Documentary Feature
USA | 70 min | 2018
Directors
Madeline Burke:
Chandlor Ralston:
Nicholas Stange:
No tickets required for this FREE screening.
Sunday March 4, 2018 — 2:30 PM
Schubert’s Luxury 10 Theater
2799 Cranston Rd. Beloit
Sponsored by:
The First National Bank Classic Film is the final official event on the ten-day BIFF schedule and thanks to the sponsor, it is offered free. No wonder, it attracts one of the largest crowds of BIFF.
Following on a survey taken in the fall, the film the community would most like to see again on the big screen is the 1973 Oscar winner, The Sting. Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, it is the story of two grifters who team up to pull off the ultimate con. It won eight Academy Awards including Best Actor for Redford.
Set in the 1930s in Chicago, Redford and Newman devise a complicated scheme to rob a local mob boss, and amass a talented group of other con artists who want their share of the action. The stakes are high in this game, and to win, our heroes need all their skills and a fair amount of confidence.
The film also contributed to attracting a new audience for the classic ragtime music of Scott Joplin. His piece, The Entertainer, provided the film’s theme and the base for the Oscar-winning score.
The film will be screened at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, at Schubert’s Luxury 10 Cinema at 2799 Cranston Rd., one of BIFF’s eight venues in Beloit. The Schubert management will offer free popcorn and pop.
The film was selected with a survey of First National Bank customers and BIFF attendees. In recent years this closing event of BIFF has drawn overflow crowds, with such films as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Maltese Falcon, and last year’s Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.
The Beloit International Film Festival, celebrating its 13th season, is sponsored by the Hendricks Group in association with Beloit College and with additional support provided by Visit Beloit. 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. Individual support for BIFF is provided through membership in the BIFF Founders and the Film Society of Beloit.
“The Sting” is one of the most stylish movies of the year. That’s an especially pleasant surprise because it reunites the co-stars and the director of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” a movie I thought was overrated.
The director is George Roy Hill, and the stars are those two good old buddies Paul Newman and Robert Redford. This time, they play con men who methodically and with great ingenuity fleece a rich mark (Robert Shaw). Their methods are incredibly complex (it would take all of today’s space to attempt to explain them.) A lot of the fun in the movie is watching Hill and his screenwriter, David S. Ward, keep the plot straight.
The movie is set in Chicago of the 1930s, and many of the outdoor scenes were shot here (including an effective platform shot at Union Station). We see a big, confused, lusty, brawling city where the big guys with the muscle are somehow always losing to the guys with the confidence angles.
