Why you should enter the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival

The tenth annual Julien Dubuque International Film Festival has begun preparations for its 2021 event, and submissions are now open. The annual event in Dubuque, Iowa, held this year between April 18th to the 25th, tries to bridge the gap between different cultures by connecting to one another through independent film. 

As you prepare your entries for the 2021 film festival season, add the JDIFF to your roster. While it may seem like a small town festival not worth your time, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival is quickly growing into a fan favorite among many indie filmmakers. Recognized as one of 100 best reviewed festivals on FilmFreeway, the JDIFF is not one to be missed. 

Small town feel, big city resources

Dubuque isn’t exactly a small town anymore, with nearly 60k living within the city’s limits. As the city continues to grow, so does its art and entertainment scene. Home to a variety of art galleries and museums, Dubuque is quickly becoming a creative capital of the mid-western U.S. 

The city is no stranger to the lights of Hollywood either, as Field of Dreams and F.I.S.T. were both filmed nearby. Now in its tenth year, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival also helps bring an indie film light to the city, offering plenty of workshops, panels, Q&A sessions, and screenings for filmmakers of all caliber to enjoy. 

Accolades left and right

Along with being called one of the top 100 best reviewed festivals on FilmFreeway, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival was recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the twenty-five coolest festivals in the world, and has been voted one of the top fifty film festivals worth the submission fee three separate times. 

With appearances in Variety, AAA Living, and MovieMaker Magazine, among others, Julien Dubuque International Film Festival has been recognized time and time again as a fan favorite festival. Marc Goldstein, a German filmmaker, has called the festival “absolutely enchanting” and “unforgettable”. He’s not the only previous filmmaker singing the JDIFF’s praises.

Plenty of recommendations from previous filmmakers

Jeannie Donohoe, a writer/director from New York, not only loved the numerous Q&As and screenings, but “loved getting a taste of Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and the history of that region of the country”.

Becky Smith of LA loved the “great programming” and greatly appreciated the amount of support the filmmakers received during the festival. Similarly, Heather Edwards of LA also said she “was able to screen multiple times during the 4 day event with a Q&A following each screening”. 

Nearly every filmmaker who’s participated in the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in the past left singing praises of the festival. Not only is the festival great for getting your work out there, but you’ll feel greatly supported from the moment you land in Dubuque until you get on a plane home. 

2021 submissions open now!

If you’re sold on submitting your project to the tenth annual Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, don’t miss your chance! You can submit your works now on the JDIFF’s FilmFreeway page. Get your work in by January 4th to make the regular deadline, or March 1st for the absolute last deadline. 

Whether you’re working on a documentary, short film, full length feature, or something in between, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival has room for you. Submit your film now!