VOTED AGAIN AS ONE OF THE TOP 50 FILM FESTIVALS WORTH THE SUBMISSION FEE BY MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE AND ONE OF THE TOP REVIEWED ON FilmFreeway, JDIFF is known for its networking opportunities, best communication, quaint location, great programming, friendly staff & volunteers, inquisitive audience, multiple screening opportunities, workshops, panels, amazing events and parties and so much more! And most importantly, meals in our filmmaker lounge, where many friendships and collaborations have been made.

As quoted by filmmakers "It truly felt like a film camp that fosters connection and casual exchanges that can build future creative relationships."

The majority of events and venues are located on Main Street in downtown Dubuque, allowing Filmmakers, Attendees, and Special Guests to attend numerous screenings and events all within walking distance. We offer opportunities for radio, print, and social media promotion, full shuttle (including airport shuttle) service, homestay program where filmmakers can stay free with community families, and so much more. We take care of our filmmakers and guests.

Opportunities to collaborate with other production companies, filmmakers, distributors and sales agents are all the things that have happened at JDIFF.

Dubuque, Iowa, located right alongside the Mississippi River, is a perfect place to host the festival. As quoted in Filmmaker Magazine "The festival is smartly situated downtown, with an assortment of handsome venues all within walking distance" from the Festival Headquarters, located in the grand HOTEL JULIEN DUBUQUE, the same hotel where Al Capone used to hide out from the Chicago Feds.

JDIFF acknowledges emerging filmmakers from around the world and is committed to bringing world-class entertainment to the heart of the midwest.

Awards & Prizes

$ 1,000 Best Documentary
$ 1,000 Best Narrative Feature
$ 750 Best Short (2 - 20 min length)
$ 750 Best Short (20 - 49 min length)

We also award the following:
Best Music Video (NEW)
Best Actor / Actress
Best Use of Music
Best Family Film or Documentary
Best Student Film (over 18)
Best Young Filmmaker (under 18)
Audience Choice
Honorable Mentions
FIPRESCI award of Excellence for a feature film

Final winners are chosen by our Jury panel of Directors, Producers, Critics, Directors of Photography, etc, for our top 4 categories.

In 2026, we once again partnered with FIPRESCI and awarded the FIPRESCI Award of excellence for a feature film that was presented and chosen by 3 of their esteemed critics.

Rules & Terms

1). PREMIERE REQUIREMENT: ALL FILMS MUST BE AN IOWA PREMIERE AT JDIFF. JDIFF must be the first film festival you screen at in Iowa. There are other wonderful festivals in Iowa, but we must be your Iowa Premiere.

We do not have a World or US premiere requirement at this time. However, preference will be given to films having a World, North American or US premiere at JDIFF.

All decisions of programmers, screeners and jurors are final. All entries will be viewed and given equal consideration. We do appreciate and prefer US and World premieres, but we only require to be the first festival you screen at in Iowa.

2). Films must not have been completed before January 1, 2025.

3). FEE WAIVERS ARE NOT GIVEN. ALL entries are treated equally and are required to pay a submission fee. We DO NOT PAY FOR ANY SCREENING FEES for any film that was submitted to review.

4). It is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to send all materials listed once accepted. If you require your materials to be sent back, a self-addressed pre-paid envelope must be sent to JDIFF. JDIFF will not be responsible to ship any materials back, including DCP's.

5). Notification date is on March 5, 2027.

6). If selected as an Official Selection, projects are to be uploaded to the designated JDIFF dropbox. Marketing materials are to be sent per specs required once festival acceptance is announced. An email will be sent to all those accepted with requirements and the date needed. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FILMMAKER TO SEND REQUIRED MATERIALS, PER SPECS SHEET, AT THE TIME GIVEN. IF MATERIALS ARE NOT SENT IN TIME OR PER REQUESTED SPECS, JDIFF HAS THE RIGHT TO ELIMINATE THE FILM FROM THE FESTIVAL. Only 1 venue requires a DCP and only Features or Docs will screen there.

7). JDIFF reserves the right to select films from the entire pool of submissions.

8). JDIFF also does not accept resubmission of films that were not accepted from previous years.

9). Works in progress can be submitted, however final projects are preferred for the best review and scoring possible.

10). All entered films grant the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival a non exclusive limited use agreement to use selected portions of films chosen for competition, and or use film promotional materials to promote the festival including the rights to utilize any excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at JDIFF for promotional purposes and/or on JDIFF's website. Filmmakers fully retain all rights, title and interest in their films and all intellectual Property.

11). By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you certify that you hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film and have read the regulations. Your submission is your acceptance of all the Terms and Conditions listed under these Rules and Terms.

12). Dates and guidelines subject to change without prior notice.

Thank you and happy submitting!
194 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • josh dragotta

    What a great film festival, truly a filmmakers film festival. The communication and hospitality at JDIFF was top notch. The festival had panels, mixers, and a filmmakers lounge that served as a central hub to meet other filmmakers. I would submit to them again and reccomed to other filmmakers.

    May 2026
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  • Katrine Eichberger

    We wholeheartedly recommend JDIFF for its wonderfully supportive community and high-quality film selection, as well as the strong support and visibility it offers filmmakers, including press cooperation and multiple interview opportunities. The festival shows clear ambition and real engagement to keep growing, already bringing together significant industry presence on site with great panels and talks, alongside a collaboration with the internationally renowned FIPRESCI award.
    What stands out most is the genuine love and heart from the entire festival team. A huge thank you to Susan & family, the whole team, and the Dubuque community - we felt so warmly welcomed and truly fell in love with you all. We would absolutely love to come back. A festival that combines high-class atmosphere with real warmth and sincerity throughout.

    May 2026
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  • Tim Connery

    JDIFF's one of the best and probably THE best in the Midwest! They really think of and take care of filmmakers in a way that most festivals don't. Did I mention that Dubuque itself is a gem?

    May 2026
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  • Claire Harris Matson

    Absolutely thrilled that Being Dead Should Be Easy had its Iowa premiere at JDIFF. It was my first time at the festival and while I had heard only amazing things from filmmakers who had attended, I was blown away. Susan, Nancy, Ali, Cheryl and the JDIFF team put so much care into the programming and festival and the filmmaker experience and it showed. The volunteers were extremely lovely and helpful. Loved all of the films I was able to see and meeting filmmakers from all over. Cannot recommend this festival enough, I look forward to returning.

    May 2026
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  • Philip Dickson

    Extremely thoughtful curator and staff ensured we felt included in every aspect of the festival - even though we couldn't travel to the actual event. We weren't just an entrant with a film, we were included as part of the JDIFF family.

    May 2026
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