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, lots of FREE FOOD in our filmmaker lounge, where many friendships and collaborations have been made.

JDIFF is ALL about the independent filmmaker and is truly geared for the best experience!

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 service, homestay program where filmmakers can stay free with community families, and much more. We take care of our filmmakers and guests.

Opportunities to collaborate with other production companies, 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

$ 3,500 Best Documentary
$ 3,500 Best Narrative Feature
$ 1,000 Best Short (3 - 20 min length)
$ 1,000 Best Short (21 - 49 min length)
$ 500 Best Student Film

We also award the following:
Best Cast Ensemble
Best Use of Music
Best Family Film
Audience Choice
Honorable Mentions (2)

Final winners are chosen by our Jury panel of Directors, Producers, Critics, Directors of Photography, etc

We award over $30,000 in cash and prizes on our Awards night celebration.

Rules & Terms

1). NEW IN 2025: FILM MUST BE AN IOWA PREMIERE. We prioritize Iowa, US, International and World Premieres. All decisions of programmers, screeners and jurors are final. All entries will be viewed and given equal consideration.

2). Films must not have been completed before January 1, 2023.

3). FEE WAIVERS are not available. 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). All submitted materials must include the FilmFreeway tracking number and additional information as listed in the General Rules.

5). It is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to send all materials listed. 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.

6). Notification date is on or around March 01, 2025

7). If selected as an Official Selection, projects are to be uploaded to the designated JDIFF Dropbox.

8). Exhibition copy of the film and 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 Features or Docs only will screen there.

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

10). JDIFF also does not accept resubmission of films that were not accepted.

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

12). 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.

13). 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.

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

Thank you and happy submitting!
144 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Festival Formula

    This is one of the most talked about festivals from our clients who attend - everyone is looked after and it really does feel like a filmmaker summer camp apparently! We're delighted that for the 2024 edition we had 10 films from our slate play:

    [subtext]
    5 A.M.
    A Time Apart
    Block
    Bored Games
    Food That Saves You
    I'm Still Here
    Purgy's
    Stalking The Bogeyman
    The Natural

    May 2024
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  • Alannah Swenka

    This was the most amazing festival I have ever been to! The festival directors made sure to take care of the filmmakers and their films. There was transportation provided to get filmmakers where they needed to go and there were places provided for us to talk and network. I met so many amazing people at this festival because the films selected were at the top of their game. The festival made sure to promote the filmmakers and their work before and during the festival as well. I have so much to say about this festival and it is all good. I am so honored that JDIFF showed my film at this amazing festival and I hope to be back!

    May 2024
    Helpful
  • Adam J. Graves

    JDIFF was an exceptional festival! They are kind, supportive and responsive. And they put a lot of effort into maximizing exposure and ensuring media coverage for films (even smaller the student shorts). Thanks so much! -Devananda Graves

    May 2024
    Helpful
  • Emma Grosklos

    Thank you for having our film Power as part of your Student Spotlight program! We were not able to make the event, but the communication from the festival was top notch. I hope to screen again in the future!

    May 2024
    Helpful
  • Maureen Gosling

    I send a big thank you to the Julien Dubuque Film Festival! They have to be one of the most hospitable festivals for filmmakers. I enjoyed my time very much. Great awards ceremony and party/ies! I am so grateful the Festival chose my film THE 9 LIVES OF BARBARA DANE for a Best Documentary award. Thank you, Susan Gorrell and the entire staff! Recommended.

    May 2024
    Helpful