The Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) will celebrate its 19th year in 2024. One of the key principles the festival was founded on was a respect for, and celebration of, the filmmakers who share their art with us. More than 100 filmmakers attend each year, finding a cheerful welcome in Beloit’s charming downtown area and the warm reception of our engaged audiences. Featuring upwards of 100 independent and international films, as well as many special events, the festival provides free admission to everything for all visiting filmmakers (4 all-access passes per film for actors and crew, too).

BIFF's past honorary chairpersons have included Steve McEveety ("Braveheart," "Passion of the Christ," "What Women Want"), David Zucker ("Airplane," "The Naked Gun") and John Shepherd, President of MPower Pictures.

Historically, many BIFF films have received reviews in outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter, MadisonMovies.org, Cultured Vultures, EveryMovieHasALesson, Keeping-It-Reel, White City Cinema, and several different TV affiliates local to areas of significance to the films and the festival.

The Beloit International Film Festival will run from April 5, 2024 through April 14, 2024.

Awards are given (by Jury and Audience Choice) in the following categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Regional Short, Best Regional Feature, Best Music Video, The Power of Film Award, The President's Award, The Executive Director's Award, The BIFF People's Choice Award, and additional jury awards for select films and contributions that may vary from year to year.

The selection committee requires that all entries/screeners be submitted as a Secure Online Screener. Please fill out your entry form as completely as possible. Should your film be accepted, we will use that entered data to put together our program book, build your website page, and reach out to you, or your representatives, with important festival details.

There is no limit to the amount of entries you may submit. Select the category that seems most appropriate. If you wish to enter multiple categories, you must select your primary category and then send an email to the festival requesting consideration for additional categories. There will be no additional fee for this if the festival grants permission.

A short synopsis of 2 to 4 lines is required for Short categories. A short synopsis in addition to a longer synopsis of approximately 125 words is required for feature-length categories. You are required to submit this with the entry. The synopsis will be used for the selection committee, the program book and web site, if accepted.

Each submission should also include at least one still production photo or slide, a press kit, and bio and photo of the director. Notification of acceptance will be emailed on approximately December 15, 2023. You will be notified for each submission.

The festival cannot be responsible for damage to, or loss of, material submitted. Additionally, the festival is held harmless from damage to or loss of print en route to the festival.

The Beloit International Film Festival does not pay screening or licensing fees for films submitted to the festival. If you submit to the Beloit International Film Festival, you automatically acknowledge this term. The festival reserves the right to screen submitted films to pre-screening committees, Film Society of Beloit event-goers, festival-goers and at festival volunteer & organizer appreciation events. The festival will have the option to screen encore showings for up to three years after the closing date of the festival.

ELIGIBILITY


Works in progress, and industrial/instructional works are not eligible. All entries must be submitted no later than November 15, 2023. The completed entry form, entry fee for each submission, synopsis, resume and photo must be included. If you cannot meet the eligibility requirement, you may apply but will not be considered for awards.

ACCEPTANCES


All films submitted must be available for festival presentation in .mp4 or .mov formats. Please be aware that if you have not submitted a photo or synopsis it will not be included in the program book or web site. Any corrections to the original submission material must be received in writing by December 31, 2023. Changes will not be made after this date.

The Beloit International Film Festival reserves the right to use clips from accepted entries (up to 3 minutes in length) for publicity purposes. The festival reserves the right to show the submission for promotion and fund raising events up to three years past the date of the festival.

The choices for number of screenings, screening dates and screening venues is at the sole discretion of the festival.

RELEASE


I acknowledge that, if accepted to participate, I will agree to comply with the 2024 Beloit International Film Festival Rules & Terms as included with this application, and agree to be bound by and comply with all pertinent documents. I understand that the Beloit International Film Festival administrative staff is responsible for making final decisions with regard to festival operations, and I agree to abide by its decisions. I agree to provide the festival an .mp4 or .mov file(s) of my film(s) upon acceptance, and I release the festival committee and any festival representative from any responsibility for the theft, damage or loss of the print en route to the festival or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Fantastic opportunities for networking and the staff were very kind. The audience in attendance were also very engaged. I had a great time at BIFF!

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    You and the 48 Hour crew were fantastic at BIFF 2023, TJ! Thank you so much for all that you contributed. We're planning to include 48 Hour content in our Fall 2023 BIFF Year 'Round indie series, as we have in the past. We hope you can participate! 🙏🏻 ✌🏻

  • A powerhouse film festival! Thank you for screening 5 of our clients this year 😘

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Festival Formula! Your films brought quality and integrity to BIFF 2023. Please continue to bring films and filmmakers to our attention for 2024!---Greg Gerard, Exec Director

  • Owen Imgrund

    Absolute blast! Not only did I have the privilege to watch my film play alongside other great films, but I was able to network and exchange numbers with several filmmakers! Throw in the hospitality, the town, and the people, and you have an incredible experience! Definitely recommend and I hope to participate again next year!

    March 2023
  • Jennifer Scott

    The Beloit International Film Festival is one of my top festivals to attend. All the films were top notch and to have my film included at this event was beyond amazing. From the get go, the event organizers and staff make you feel so welcomed and appreciated. The crowds are larger than most and really support independent film makers. Can't wait to be back there with another film.

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Jennifer...thanks so much for your generous review of BIFF! It was truly a delight to meet you during your stay in Beloit. Your film is so powerful! And your passion, integrity, talent...and overall sweetness...were gifts to our festival, our staff and our filmgoers. I do hope you will return with your next project! Wishing you all the best!--Greg Gerard

  • Kevin Keck

    BIFF was an amazing experience! From the hospitality and location to the quality of other films, I would highly recommend BIFF to filmmakers searching for a unique opportunity to share their story.

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Greetings, Kevin! MANUFACTURED LUCK is a heartwarming and charming short film that we were proud to offer at the festival this year. Nicely done! I hope we'll be seeing more of your work on our screens at future festivals! All the best!--GGG