The Beloit International Film Festivalis a 10-day tribute to the power of film. It’s also an appreciation for indie films made here in U.S. and around the globe. Each year, the quaint Wisconsin town hosts locals and film tourists alike as audiences get a chance to see films not easily found in the local multiplex.
This year, the festival has an improved short program and an emphasis on female filmmaking according to artistic director Greg Gerard. "As I was wading through [all the submissions], it started to become apparent that I was seeing more women in film in positions of writing, directing, and producing."
The organization has also seen some leadership and staff structure changes, including a new chairwoman of the board — Ana Kelly.
"It's a great thing for the town for the town to have this festival. It brings a lot of people in who haven't been to Beloit in a long time or they've never been. And Beloit is changing, and we want them to see that," says Kelly.
She and Gerard recently joined Lake Effect's Audrey Nowakowski in studio to talk about their roles at the festival and this year's schedule:
One of the programs that has been updated this year is the shorts program, which includes a film that was nominated for an Oscar at this years' Academy Awards. That film is called One Small Step, and is the second film screened at The Beloit International Film Festival to be nominated for an Oscar. The first was a film called "Shine," which was nominated for seven awards in 1997. The film took home one award that year.
For more information and to view trailers for the films featured in this year's festival, visit The Beloit International Film Festival.
