Once a year, the Driftless Film Festival brings together the best of new independent cinema with the landscape, artistic energy, and local atmosphere of Southwest Wisconsin. Celebrating its 15th season of bringing independent film to the Driftless Area, DFF continues to provide a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for audiences and filmmakers alike.

Founded in 2009 by filmmakers Darren Burrows and Nicholas Langholff, DFF was born of a love for independent films, an appreciation of the unusual region, and the joy of spending a weekend immersed in the charm Mineral Point's galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. It is this delightful marriage of place and cinematic story that is the core of the DFF vision today.

DFF screens each of its films in the Mineral Point Opera House. Beautifully restored in 2009, the theatre retains the atmosphere of its origins as a 1915 vaudeville house. Brought to life by film screenings and live performances year round, the Opera House is both an elegant testament to Mineral Point's passion for preservation and a showcase space for some of the best entertainment in the region.

Each year the festival hosts filmmakers from across the country. Special guests have included Mark Metcalf (Animal House, Seinfeld, Little Red), Anthony Arendt (Muscle Shoals, Avatar), and Matt Adams (We Cause Scenes) among many others. Not only do visiting filmmakers present revealing Q&A discussions during the festival, but the weekend provides an opportunity for filmmakers and attendees to mingle outside the screenings. Friendships form over coffee at the local diner and drafts at the main street bars. This opportunity for one-on-one connection kindles the union of film and community at DFF.

From popular festival hits to locally-produced art, the Driftless Film Festival seeks to showcase the most thought-provoking, innovative, and creative independent cinema of our time. These films will hit home in a place that feels like home. We welcome you to join us.

Awards & Prizes

Each Official Selection will receive digital laurels. Each Nominee and Winner will receive additional digital laurels and a certificate and a trophy.

This year, the DFF proudly introduces the Driftless Award for Excellence in Filmmaking. This award will go to the best in films that are made with a significant connection to the Driftless Area, and is open to filmmakers from the four states that compose the Driftless Area (WI, IL, IA, and MN) or films that are produced in or have a significant connection to the Driftless Area. Details will be announced soon.

Rules & Terms

Submission to the Driftless Film Festival constitutes an agreement with all festival terms and conditions, and permission to exhibit the work during the festival if selected. Entrants warrant that they have the legal right to submit the work to DFF, that all statements made in this application are true and accurate, and that all necessary rights and clearances have been secured to exhibit the work at the festival.

Entrants will be notified of their submission’s selection status on or about August 1, 2024. Accepted films MUST PROVIDE a DVD, Blu-Ray, or MP4 file. We are not DCP equipped at this time. Foreign language films must be subtitled in English.

Feature films are generally expected to be at least 80 minutes in length. Exceptions can be made at the sole discretion of DFF.

DFF may deny acceptance of any film at its sole discretion. Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Any costs necessary to deliver the exhibition file to DFF in the required format, or for any necessary subtitling, is the sole responsibility of the entrant.

All accepted films grant DFF and their designated agents’ permission to utilize clips, trailers, and images from the film for DFF and Driftless Film Festival promotional content. The entrant agrees to notify DFF if or when they may lose ownership of the clips, trailers, and images and no longer be able to grant said permission.

If the submission becomes an "Official Selection" and/or wins a prize, DFF requests that this be noted on promotional materials. Festival laurels are available to all Official Selections and Award winners.

Although every possible care will be taken with exhibition material in our possession, DFF is not responsible for loss or damage. Please do not send originals, special prints or master tapes.
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joanne Williams

    This was a great, small festival with enthusiastic audiences. I recommend it for all.

    December 2024
    Helpful
  • David L Bradburn

    Great venue and great projects to be seen. Had a wonderful time. I will definitely submit again.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Paper Horse Pictures

    Being part of the Driftless Film Festival was an amazing experience. Although we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were really impressed by the festival’s exceptional support and dedication to both the films and filmmakers. Their professionalism truly made a lasting impression.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Wil Loper

    The Driftless Film Festival is always a fantastic time and a top notch film festival, and should be a yearly attend for both filmmakers and moviegoers alike.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Len Borruso

    The Driftless Film Festival was a wonderful experience. The vibe is down-to-earth and classy. The selected films all have something to say. The audience is dialed in and goes in depth during Q&A. Mineral Point itself is a thriving arts community nestled in the inspiring rolling hills of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. The Mineral Point Opera House is a cultural focal point in the heart of the town and a great venue. The entire community is truly welcoming. I can’t recommend this festival enough.

    November 2024
    Helpful