PRESS ARTICLES
07.25.2012 – David Spaltro Explores Faith in ‘Things I Don’t Understand’ – Matt Fagerholm, HollywoodChicago.com
07.11.2012 – Vitamin-made short screens at Blue Whiskey fest 7/27 – Ed Koziarski, ReelChicago.com
07.06.2012 – Blue Whiskey film fest returns to Palatine – Kimberly Pohl, Daily Herald
07.19.2011 – Blue Whiskey Festival Celebrates Indie Shorts – Dan Pearson, Chicago Sun-Times Publication
07.16.2010 – Blue Whiskey what??? — Dann Gire, Daily Herald
07.15.2010 – Film Fest Movies Full of Chicago Locales — Dan Pearson, Barrington Courier-Review
Many festivals focus on either the technical side of filmmaking or a film’s use of “star power.” While films at BWiFF may have celebrities in them, they will not be selected or screened because of the celebrity’s involvement. Creative story structures built in a solid foundation are the utmost important element to BWiFF programmers.
BWiFF’s first Best of Fest winner, The Scenesters (directed by Todd Berger, produced by Kevin Brennan, Jeff Grace and Brett D. Thompson) is a prime example of the festival’s hunger for great storytelling. The award-winning feature film is a very creative cross between a narrative film and a mockumentary. These normally clashing film categories seamlessly tell the film’s dark, yet comedic story.
In the long-term, BWiFF will strive to build a reputation for exhibiting rare and compelling independent films. Great films with smaller budgets and no-named actors get rejected from festivals all across the globe every day. BWiFF is and will always be seeking out these incredible motion pictures.
General Rules. All early submissions must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 29, 2013. All regular submissions must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 19, 2013. All late submissions must be postmarked no later than Friday, May 3, 2013. Any submissions postmarked after the final deadline will be considered for the 2013 festival.
BWiFF does not enforce any category restrictions. Films can be of any style or genre. Each submission is carefully considered solely on its own merit by the festival programming committee.
Any and all submissions for the 2013 festival must have been completed no earlier than January 2011.
Film producers are responsible for all insurance and shipment costs. Although due care will be exercised, BWiFF cannot assume any liability for damage to entries.
What Restrictions are There in Submitting? We accept pretty much everything. Live-action films, animated films, documentaries, music videos, TV pilots, web pilots and even experimental films. The accepted format for festival screeners is NTSC DVD (region 0 or 1).
How Can My Film Benefit From this Festival? Every selected film is eligible for several different awards in two categories (production & on-screen performance). Specific awards may be subject to change depending on the films submitted per year.
- Best of Fest
- Audience Favorite
- Best of Illinois
- Best Narraive Feature
- Best Narrative Short
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Documentary Short
- Best Music Video
- Best Animated Film
- Best Experimental
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Sound
- Best Editing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Production Design
- Best Original Music
Terms & Conditions. Entrants must agree to all Festival Rules, which also includes deadline and entry material requirements. BWiFF is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes.
(1) Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
(2) Submission DVDs will not be returned.
(3) All film entries must be submitted on DVD to be considered for selection and postmarked no later than the final deadline of May 3, 2013. Only NTSC DVD Region 0 or 1 submissions will be accepted.
(4) Electronic press kits (which should include film stills, director(s) photos, brief director bio, producer(s) photos, brief producer bio, synopsis and production credits) must be submitted by the applicable deadline. In the event they are not, BWIFF reserves the right to secure substitute materials from other sources. All hard copy photos provided must be clearly identified on the back. Photos will not be returned and may be used for any festival promotions.
(5) By submitting, entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films. BWiFF is not responsible or liable for any copyright infringement committed by the filmmaker.
(6) Selected films and their respective filmmakers agree to participate in the publicity for the Festival as well as other promotional opportunities. The BWIFF Programming Committee may request a teaser, trailer or 30 second clip for selected features in competition. This media will be used to promote the individual films for the festival.
(7) Accepted filmmakers who plan on attending the Festival are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and all other expenses. Each accepted feature film will receive two (2) festival passes. Each accepted short film will receive one (1) festival pass.
(8) All of the above submission eligibility guidelines and general rules are subject to change by the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival without notice.