BIFF is proud to announce that Beloit businessman Tom Hankins will serve as our 2019 Honorary Chair.

Tom, or Tommy as he is affectionately known to his many friends, has operated Suds O’Hanahan’s Irish Pub in downtown Beloit for more than twenty years. Opening any business downtown was something of a risk back then as the renaissance that would transform Beloit was still a few years away. Tommy’s foresight in locating this popular pub in the heart of Beloit’s business district helped launch that revival and it’s a credit to his vision that Suds O’Hanahan’s endures.

Tommy Hankins | BIFF 2019 Honorary Chair

Tommy and Suds also have a long history with BIFF. From our very first season the pub has been a destination for filmmakers and festival fans, and even served as a screening venue in some of our early years. It remains a BIFF After Dark venue to this day and will help us launch the 2019 festival as it plays host to acclaimed jazz trumpeter Tony Scodwell and the Highland College Big Band on our opening night.

Suds O'Hanahan's | Music Venue

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