(The Beloit Film Festival, photos courtesy of BIFF)

The Beloit International Film Festival, Bringing The World To Beloit And Beloit To The World

February 15, 2021

This Friday kicks off the 16th year of the Beloit Film Festival (BIFF.) What began in 2005 as a synergistic idea by a few civic minded folks like Rod Beaudoin, Becky Rogers and Ron Nies has grown into a ten-day event accepting over 580 submissions from across Wisconsin, the U.S. and around the world. Among BIFF’s 100 films this year there are several international entrants, including three films from Iran.

This year’s version of BIFF’s pre-launch, The Reveal Party went virtual, a festival first. A low-powered radio broadcast, and FaceTime Live with film makers and local dignitaries gave festival goers an up-close preview of what is to come. Biff volunteers handed out program schedules via a drive-thru at the festival’s HQ.

This pandemic has brought numerous challenges for all of us. BFF as well has had to adjust. Unlike previous festivals this years’ event will not have the walk about, atmosphere downtown where film goers mingled on the streets with filmmakers. No 200 seat venues, film projectors, or microphone stands lighting engineers, sound mixing boards are gone as well. Yet, despite the absence of traditional, logistical challenges typical of the annual festival, BIFF's Executive. Director, Greg Gerard says the undertaking was “every bit more work than we thought, like understanding the what ifs and all the tech in-and-outs of bringing people together for panels." The Streaming platform BIFF’s using is akin to Netflix, or Amazon Prime. "Still there are always question marks and unknowns’ inherent in harnessing streaming and online meeting platforms," says Gerard.

Unlike on-the-ground festival of a non-COVID year there is no schedule to build in structure. But not scheduling films for virtual viewing Gerard believes is a good thing. Video-on-demand will benefit film goers who have to fumble around with the spaghetti of the virtual world’s connective technology like the simple act connecting to a television. "We didn't want people to miss any movies" says Greg.

Another positive of this year’s virtual BIFF, the festival is "doing a whole bunch of QAs online, which gives film goers a chance to meet film makers," say Gerard. Each panel discussion is recorded and posted on BIFF's website. so you can always go back and watch them at any time.

One highlight of this year’s panel discussions, Rachel Portman, Academy Award winning, film composer who won for the score she wrote for Emma  At the time of her winning, Portman was the first female in academy history to receive an Oscar in that category. Portman has also written scores for "Benny & June," "Chocolat"  and "Cider House Rules.' Also present at the online, panel discussion are Beloit Memorial graduates, Johnathan Bartz and Pierre Charles who are now based in L.A. for motion picture, composition.

How have film goers adjusted to the virtual world of film festivals?

If the success of 2020 Toronto Film Festival’s online is any indication people will adjust quite well. While he can’t get to see pre-ticket sales in the virtual world, BIFF's Executive Director is seeing an uptick in the Festival Pass sales this year.

Though 2021’s BFF may look different in its’ virtual home the mission to bring great films to southern Wisconsin/northern Illinois, and highlight the city of Beloit is still the same. At the heart of BIFF and Jarred’s commitment is the love for film makers, their craft and film goers. Ultimately as Gerard puts it BIFF is “our commitment to independent film makers and story tellers. The other part of our mission is to highlight city of

Beloit something they (Beloiters) can call their own.”

Lastly, the festival is about “Bringing the World to Beloit and Beloit to the World,” says Gerard.

Films to Check Out

Greg Gerard recommends Materna directed by David Gutnick, a Robert Altman-esque story weaving the lives of four women together in the end. Another gem, and locally grown is Small Town Wisconsin directed by Niels Mueller as Gerard describes it, "it is a Wisconsin-type film, where alcohol figures prominently." It is a heartfelt, drama-comedy that is sure to entertain locals with its' references to area landmarks and truisms.

The Details:

As BIFF's website states, "Venue capacity is not a problem with a streaming film festival!"

Tickets:

On Sale Starting Fri. Feb. 19th. Tickets are $10 Full Festival Passes

On Sale Now Through Fri. Feb. 19th. 2021. BIFF Film Society Members — $100. Non-Members — $120

Note:

• Once purchased you will have five (5) days to begin your viewing session.
• If you stop your session you have 48 hrs. to resume viewing the film.

When: Friday Feb. 19th – Sunday Feb. 28th.

Where: For more information visit the Beloit Film Festival at https://beloitfilmfest.org/

The BIFF Drive-In

"People are dying for entertainment," says Greg Gerard when opining about in-person entertainment like going to the movies. In a COVID-19 year that means drive-in theaters. Good news in these last two weekends of February BIFF is showing movies outdoors from the Iron Works Campus's north parking lot. The BIFF drive-in will host up to 100 cars. Bring your own popcorn, or curbside, pick up a "Food Kit" from participating downtown restaurants like Lucy's. For a complete movie schedule, and details visit https://beloitfilmfest.org/biff-2021-drive-in-drive-through-events/