Film Submission are CLOSED
for BIFF 2023!
Submissions for
our 19th Season 2024
will open some time in April 2023.
Over 7,000 filmmaker rated
festivals worldwide!
Film Submission are CLOSED
for BIFF 2023!
Submissions for
our 19th Season 2024
will open some time in April 2023.
Over 7,000 filmmaker rated
festivals worldwide!
What our 2023 guest filmmakers had to say
I’ve been to many festivals over the years and BIFF is easily one of the best. The quality of films, the hospitality, the drivers, etc., all make it one of the most enjoyable and memorable venues.
BIFF was fantastic! they treated the filmmakers like royalty! I would recommend this festival to everyone!!
The Beloit international Film Festival was a world class festival on a calibre far exceeding what I was expecting! The entire team of the festival was welcoming and made me feel like my positive experience at the festival was their priority. Everyday there were gatherings, activities and workshops made available and all included with the festival pass my team and I were given. It felt as if the entire town was living this festival and supported it at every turn. When I announced I would be making a new short film at the festival, they jumped at any opportunity to support and help me and my team. They went above and beyond to make the festival a great experience.
I had a wonderful time at BIFF. We hope to be back again one of these years. There was a great feeling among the filmmakers and festival goers, I enjoyed seeing films by other filmmakers, and appreciated the strong attendance by other filmmakers, which always enhances the experience. The BIFF team were great hosts. I also loved the town and its restaurants, bars and shops, and really liked that all the BIFF venues were within walking distance from each other. Thank you for being incredible hosts!
We had a great experience at the Beloit International Film Festival. In addition to the great hospitality, incredibly friendly staff and volunteers, the Festival offered several opportunities to meet other filmmakers, all of whom were passionate independent filmmakers eager to share their stories. Beloit is a boutique welcoming town; the audiences were eager, interested and attentive. It was both fun and invigorating to attend the BIFF. If I am fortunate to have another film accepted, I would be thrilled and would attend.
Excellent communication, great people, great website, great festival all-around! Hope to return someday!
Terry Meyers photo
What our 2022 guest filmmakers had to say
This is THE BEST FESTIVAL in the entire Midwest. Forget about those larger cities on either side of the state line from Beloit. The programming is top notch and you will have the opportunity to see foreign films and independent gems that you would otherwise never have the opportunity to see on a big screen. The unique way of how this festival is run in a small town, but yet has the largest number of highly acclaimed cinema makes this festival an absolute treasure. For filmmakers – there are invaluable seminars, and ample networking opportunities to ensure success and to make invaluable connections for your future projects. Also, the care and fanfare given to your screenings is immeasurable. This festival does EVERYTHING RIGHT!
I was so fortunate to have “Dairyland” screen and premiere at the Beloit International Film Festival. I have had colleagues and crew from my own project have their films screened and knew this was a hidden, local gem. I loved how the festival partnered with local businesses to create intimate viewing locations, but wished that the festival could have leveraged the beautiful theatres at the neighboring Beloit College (they could not because of Covid restrictions). I also tremendously appreciated the constant contact with festival organizers from transportation to evening filmmaker gatherings. Put this festival on your list and you will not regret it.
Amazing high quality Festival! Worthy!
BIFF is a well run festival. The organizers are very friendly and communicative. Great experience.
The thing I loved most about the Beloit International Film Festival is that they clearly make an effort to give different films a chance. I had the privilege of attending the opening weekend this year, and I got to experience such a vast range of movies and ideas. When it comes to short films, a different range is good. And, at Beloit, it was clear that they put a lot of effort into creating such a creatively diverse schedule. Very proud to have been a part of it.
The festival organizers really pour their heart into this festival. We were honored to have our feature doc appear alongside other internationally acclaimed films. In addition to the festival in February, they gave us our own special screening in the summer. We had a great time at both events. The small downtown area is a cozy place to meet and network with other filmmakers.
Loved this festival. Supper bummed I could not be there (COVID!) But the communication was amazing and its on my Wishlist to visit in the future.
I enjoyed the festival very much. I also received a lot of compliments from the people who attended my film’s screenings.
I’ve attended the Beloit International Film Festival for many years and submitted four films.
I had a lot of fun at the festival, everyone was really great. Early communication was frequent and easy. Beloit is a cute town with a arthouse feel to accommodate this festival. Will definitely submit again, in the future.
Fantastic communication and screening opportunities! We’re so happy to be a part of the BIFF community.
This is a festival for film lovers, by film lovers. The town of Beloit Wisconsin/Illinois sits on the Rock River and in Feb/Mar it can be a little cold but the hospitality of the festival makes up for it. I was welcomed from the moment I checked in, and made to feel like a rock star as one of the filmmakers. The locals were very receptive to the presence of the festival, and when attending the screenings were open and interested in being challenged as well as entertained. I met a lot of great local as well visiting filmmakers and was able to increase my network and even looking into some opportunities that may have arose. Due to Covid some of the venues were improvised this year, but I’m not picky about such things I think independent filmmakers can and should use all and any means to be able to share their work with an audience willing to attend.
2021 – HIDDEN
Really, it’s the most involvement I’ve had with any festival and it really made me appreciate both your support of my film and the lively minds that I was able to engage with. Keep up the great work. I know it’s endless but it is loaded with meaning for the filmmakers. You brought out our voice and allowed us the energy of our work.
Stephen Keep Mills
Love Is Not Love
What our 2019 guest filmmakers had to say
The festival was far above my expectations. I was able to attend the festival from start to finish and can say, without question, that the hospitality that the Beloit festival staff and volunteers show their filmmakers is greatest I’ve experienced. The city is lovely to explore and the restaurants are fantastic (shout out to Bushel & Peck’s). The selection of films I was able to see were very enjoyable and represented a broad range of subject matter, filmmaking style and filmmakers. I really enjoyed connecting with other filmmakers and the networking events and workshops. Would definitely return even if not screening at Beloit.
This festival was absolutely fantastic. I attended as an international filmmaker and was looked after so well by the whole team. Everyone involved in the festival is passionate and really invested in making it an event to be proud of and really excellently run… I loved the city, so many places to enjoy good food and great cocktails. The ‘after dark’ parties were great fun and so much to do. I cannot express enough how well looked after we felt and all round what a fantastic festival this was to be a part of… I recommend to everyone thinking about it, to submit and attend as the whole event, the audiences, the engaging QandA’s, the whole team’s hospitality and fun you will have here is second to none. Thanks to all… Hope to be back soon!
The staff of BIFF is exceptionally accommodating! Immediately upon arriving in the town, my lead actors and I were given a tour of the historic downtown area. Our first screening was held in a banquet-type room of an Italian restaurant and I would estimate that over 100 people were there. They actually had to bring in more chairs to accommodate everyone! This was a refreshing change of pace from most fests – where screenings are often attended only by a few other festival filmmakers. The citizens of Beloit really seem to appreciate the fact that something cool is happening in there town and come out for it in force. The Beloit International Film Fest rocks!
BIFF made me proud to be from Wisconsin. Fantastic festival from communication with filmmakers to screening. Had a chance to do some networking. The entire BIFF team, volunteers, and Beloit community make this festival top tier. The community gets behind this festival 100%. The best I’ve attended. Hope to be back next year.
Beloit International is a great little festival with a dedicated audience. The community really shows up in force to support the films and pack the venues. The folks running the fest couldn’t be nicer and the communication is top notch. They know how to support indie film!
Surprised and delighted by the quality of programming and hospitality here! Beloit’s a great place to check out for a few days, and the volunteers are the most above-and-beyond I’ve experienced. I saw about 6 features and they were all excellent
BIFF is a fantastic festival. They program great films, are very hospitable with filmmakers and the people in Beloit really come out to support independent film and buy tickets. I’ve met amazing filmmakers each time I’ve come, and hope to return in the future.
#Whatcanwesayyesto – The phrase that defines an exceptional film festival and the staff/volunteers who work tirelessly to turn moments into memories that live on long after the festival ends. AND… SEEN is thrilled to be part of the BIFF family and we highly recommend you submit your films!!
An absolutely fantastic festival and a very fine time. I loved it. Big festival in a small town — first rate, first class!
Excellent communication and hospitality. What a great festival, we had a blast!
Great festival, super friendly and organized. Sorry we were unable to make the super-long trip. Thank you for screening our film!
Terry Meyers photo
What our 2019 guest filmmakers had to say
The festival was far above my expectations. I was able to attend the festival from start to finish and can say, without question, that the hospitality that the Beloit festival staff and volunteers show their filmmakers is greatest I’ve experienced. The city is lovely to explore and the restaurants are fantastic (shout out to Bushel & Peck’s). The selection of films I was able to see were very enjoyable and represented a broad range of subject matter, filmmaking style and filmmakers. I really enjoyed connecting with other filmmakers and the networking events and workshops. Would definitely return even if not screening at Beloit.
This festival was absolutely fantastic. I attended as an international filmmaker and was looked after so well by the whole team. Everyone involved in the festival is passionate and really invested in making it an event to be proud of and really excellently run… I loved the city, so many places to enjoy good food and great cocktails. The ‘after dark’ parties were great fun and so much to do. I cannot express enough how well looked after we felt and all round what a fantastic festival this was to be a part of… I recommend to everyone thinking about it, to submit and attend as the whole event, the audiences, the engaging QandA’s, the whole team’s hospitality and fun you will have here is second to none. Thanks to all… Hope to be back soon!
The staff of BIFF is exceptionally accommodating! Immediately upon arriving in the town, my lead actors and I were given a tour of the historic downtown area. Our first screening was held in a banquet-type room of an Italian restaurant and I would estimate that over 100 people were there. They actually had to bring in more chairs to accommodate everyone! This was a refreshing change of pace from most fests – where screenings are often attended only by a few other festival filmmakers. The citizens of Beloit really seem to appreciate the fact that something cool is happening in there town and come out for it in force. The Beloit International Film Fest rocks!
BIFF made me proud to be from Wisconsin. Fantastic festival from communication with filmmakers to screening. Had a chance to do some networking. The entire BIFF team, volunteers, and Beloit community make this festival top tier. The community gets behind this festival 100%. The best I’ve attended. Hope to be back next year.
Beloit International is a great little festival with a dedicated audience. The community really shows up in force to support the films and pack the venues. The folks running the fest couldn’t be nicer and the communication is top notch. They know how to support indie film!
Surprised and delighted by the quality of programming and hospitality here! Beloit’s a great place to check out for a few days, and the volunteers are the most above-and-beyond I’ve experienced. I saw about 6 features and they were all excellent
BIFF is a fantastic festival. They program great films, are very hospitable with filmmakers and the people in Beloit really come out to support independent film and buy tickets. I’ve met amazing filmmakers each time I’ve come, and hope to return in the future.
#Whatcanwesayyesto – The phrase that defines an exceptional film festival and the staff/volunteers who work tirelessly to turn moments into memories that live on long after the festival ends. AND… SEEN is thrilled to be part of the BIFF family and we highly recommend you submit your films!!
An absolutely fantastic festival and a very fine time. I loved it. Big festival in a small town — first rate, first class!
Excellent communication and hospitality. What a great festival, we had a blast!
Great festival, super friendly and organized. Sorry we were unable to make the super-long trip. Thank you for screening our film!
What our 2018 guest filmmakers had to say
Great festival in the Midwest! A gathering of talented filmmakers, great films and engaged audiences put together by a top notch staff. They curate great films and make sure that the festival is about the films/filmmakers. They even go the extra mile to provide exposure and press for the films! Just a great overall experience with warm hospitality. After my first experience there, it’s definitely on my list of festivals to hit up throughout the year.
All the rumors I had heard proved true: a cute town, very dedicated film festival team, great venues, fun parties every night, great hospitality, excellent selection of films and wonderfully appreciative and thoughtful audiences. Thank you so much for inviting me and my short film WINK!
What a nice festival int this charming town! The expertise here is extraordinary. Great selection of films, team dedicated to the filmmakers, mindful audience, amazing Q&A… Don’t hesitate to register for 2019!
A really wonderful, warm regional festival with enthusiastic crowds and good networking for other regional festivals and press; cool and helpful programmers – really everything you could ask for. Thank you!
BIFF was one of the most attentive, sublime film festivals I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They care about the filmmakers and give the film an unrivaled amount of TLC.
We really enjoyed our time at BIFF, and saw some other thought provoking and engaging films. The venues were interesting and accommodating, and locations were ideal. We’ll definitely be back!
Great Audiences await you in the charming city of Beloit. This well organized festival is centered in a few blocks of the downtown area, making getting from venue to venue a breeze. As Wisconsin filmmakers, we really appreciate a festival that supports locals and if you’re one, this is one not to miss. That said, it was a joy and pleasure to mingle with filmmakers from around the world too. Big shout out to BIFF, well done.
This festival reminds me of what filmmaking can and should sometimes be: rock´n´roll! And a festival that reminds you of why you are doing what you are doing! A festival-enthusiasm that can not be put in words and a festival spirit that you thought would and could not exsist …unless you have been to Beloit. I am very thankful to be able to have met such a mindful audience, saw such great films, have been assisted by such a great organisation, was helped by fantastic volunteers and enjoyed a superb hospitality! And lots of filmakers to hang out with. All of this from the second I touched down until the minute I left. BIFF is so far ahead its standing right behind you!
A great festival, with great people running it. Loved the audiences.
Thank you, Beloit!
The Sushi was amazing.
It was really an honor to be part of a festival that respected and supported filmmakers in such a huge way, and I hope to be back again with another project.
I was so impressed by the high caliber of films in the 2016 BIFF program, the audience participation was phenomenal at each screening, and the hospitality of the festival was amazing. I’ll definitely submit again to BIFF!
All the organizers including, Rod, Allyse, Adam were amazing! Very warm, very funny and very giving. I was touched by the warmth of the hospitality and love. Also, the hotel in which I stayed was amazing too! I am really really grateful to the festival for giving me such a wonderful experience and giving my film such an amazing audience. Thank you!
After screening my films in over 180 film festivals across the country, I can say without reservation that Beloit is one of the best-great organization, a staff that always goes the extra mile, audiences that intelligently engage and a charming Wisconsin town all add up to an event that I look forward to attending again and again.
Few festivals come close to BIFF when it comes to being well organized, friendly and fun to attend. Small town friendly meets big city festival expertise. The town makes you feel like you’re a visiting rock star, while the festival allows you to feel like you are part of the BIFF family. Not to be missed.
This film festival has so much heart and love for cinema. Everyone I met there was a friend of the filmmaker and of the independent, story-driven films selected. I will always call BIFF home!
I thought downtown Beloit was adorable, and the film patrons and BIFF staff were just as endearing! It was also super cool to see local businesses graciously open up their doors as venues. Both of my screenings were very cozy and intimate, and I felt like I was talking to a group of my good friends at the Q&As!
Beloit took me by surprise with its enthusiastic, engaged audiences. People showed up to screenings, stayed for the Q&A, and asked smart questions. It’s an adventurous crowd. The festival staff works hard to publicize their events. And they make filmmakers feel at home. You really can’t ask for more than that from a festival.
The team at BIFF was amazing. They made us feel very welcomed and did a wonderful job putting the festival together.
This Website
Dear Filmmaker,
From the festival organizers to the board and the entire Beloit community, we’re all working hard to make The Beloit International Film Festival, BIFF your favorite film festival.
Here on this website this is expressed by being deliberate around sharing the love online. You’ll see this in multiple ways as your film is featured on your film’s web page and elsewhere.
We’ve dug to find the appropriate pages and content, feature it and link to it. If we’ve missed the spot please let us know. We invite you to send us your change requests. We make no guarantees however. ;-) We reserve the right to edit down and we work to maintain continuity across filmmakers and the site.
Finally, if you have suggestions on how we can make this website more beneficial for you and your audience please let us know. We’ll do our best to try and incorporate those ideas that we can.
Reach us here:
webmaster(at)beloitfilmfest(dot)org
All other non-website BIFF inquiries:
Thanks for your participation. We look forward to meeting you!
Rick, Ana & Sabrina
(Rick McGrath, Ana Kelly, Sabrina Krejci)
BIFF webmasters since 2010
