Beloit International Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years
When organizers of the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) started planning the big event nearly two decades ago, they had one goal in mind. “They wanted to bring Beloit to the world and the world to Beloit,” says executive director Greg Gerard. Mission accomplished.
This one-of-a-kind event has put Beloit on the map within the film industry. Every year, BIFF has grown: In 2006, the first BIFF screened 80 films over four days. Since then, BIFF has settled into a tradition of screening 100+ films each year over a ten day period.
BIFF was founded by Ron Nief, Becky Rogers and Rod Beaudoin. In a series of community meetings to garner support for the festival, Diane and the late Ken Hendricks, owners of ABC Supply, stepped forward to become the title sponsors of the event. Diane remains an active supporter and advisor for BIFF.
“The founders dreamt this up nearly 20 years ago and made it a reality,” says Gerard, who has worked for the festival since its inception.“ People never thought a film festival could flourish in a city this size. We knew it could. We thought a film festival could take hold here. My good friend and BIFF co-founder, Rod Beaudoin, often recalls how the business community and area leaders were remarkable; having the vision and understanding of what BIFF and Beloit could offer to the community and to the world.”
Every year, there is plenty of excitement surrounding BIFF. Fan favorites like the annual Singalong and Classic Film Showcase have become traditions each year. The festival also includes workshops, ‘after dark’ filmmaker hospitality events, a Student Filmmaker Showcase premiere, as well as events that are in partnership with Beloit College. And of course, a slate of amazing new independent films from around the world, screening in venues that are all downtown and within walking distance of one another, making BIFF unique when compared to many other regional film festivals.
“BIFF is highly regarded as one of the places to be on the independent film circuit,” says Gerard. “The quality of the films has improved over the years, as has the selection process. We treat every filmmaker as
if he or she is a celebrity! We are well-known for our hospitality. One filmmaker commented that the people of Beloit are ‘aggressively friendly’. I like the sound of that!”
Building relationships and partnering with area companies and organizations have been key to BIFFs longevity in the city center. In 2024 BIFF will enjoy an infusion of new special events from Geronimo Hospitality, Hendricks Commercial Properties, Beloit College, Quint Studer and Beloit Sky Carp Baseball, and PBS Wisconsin, to name a few.
Diane Hendricks will present a screening of the Oscar winning film, Rocketman, which she executive produced. Hendricks is also behind an interactive film experience created by Starlings Entertainment, which is something totally new for BIFF. Beloit College will be bringing a remarkable documentary film to town, entitled Hearts Of Glass, and Quint Studer, owner of the Beloit Sky Carp will be presenting Facing Nolan, a documentary about the life and times of MLB pitching legend, Nolan Ryan. In addition, PBS Wisconsin will be in town to celebrate the premiere of this years crop of Student Filmmaker Showcase films. These partnerships are a part of the community synergy that has always been vital to BIFF’s year-after-year success.
Event organizers are always adding new elements to the ten days of BIFF. In 2014, a sing-a-long was added to the lineup with the film “Sound of Music.” This year it will be The Greatest Showman. Lyrics appear on the bottom of the screen and costumes are encouraged.“BIFF will change every year,” says BIFF co-founder, Ron Nief, who was formerly head of public relations at Beloit College and has now retired to the Madison area. “Each year we learn something new about our audience and what they like. It’s that creativity that will always keep BIFF fresh.”
While all of that wonderful arts and entertainment programming is fantastic, the real value in attending BIFF would seem to be the opportunity to engage with independent filmmakers in the flesh. “I’ve always had a deep respect for the artists who take part in BIFF,” says Gerard. “I love people who have a creative vision and are willing to put everything on the line. We’ve had filmmakers go on to do amazing things. It’s an honor to work with these passionate visual artists, and then see them fall in love with Beloit and the people who support BIFF.”
Co-founder Rod Beaudoin sums up the magic of BIFF in this way: “There is a Capra-esque feeling about Beloit unlike any other city I’ve ever spent time in,” he says. “BIFF is a reflection of this community, the people, the corporations, and the organizations that work together. It’s a pretty cool feeling.”
Visit BIFF’s Website