why choose us
Our Mission
Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (BWiFF) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that assembles character-driven independent film programming constructed by bold and innovative storytellers for the purposes of education, entertainment, and thought-provoking discussion.
The annual festival welcomes submissions from filmmakers that utilize story elements in a new and exciting way, presenting character-driven independent cinema that is fueled by the filmmaker’s passion for the art of motion picture storytelling.
About the Festival
BWiFF will be presenting its 15th festival at the Classic Cinemas Elk Grove XQ, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, from April 27 – May 6, 2025. The 2025 Blue Glass Awards presentation will be privately recorded and premiere on Wednesday, May 14 at bwiff.com. Award-winning films will be featured in a special BWiFF 2025 Encore event following the festival at the historic Music Box Theatre, located in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago’s north side.
Every year, the festival exhibits over 30 films from around the globe that compete for a variety of awards that range in genre, production, performance, and audience categories. Each film selected for exhibition and competition is screened in one theater over the course of six days. Judges experience each film for the first time along with the audience. During the festival’s week-long run, filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in Q&A’s moderated by a festival judge and any potential filmmaker panels. Each accepted filmmaker will receive two (2) festival passes.
Beyond the summer festival, BWiFF is proud to present exciting programming year-round, including screenings, networking events, roundtables, and more through the organization’s Cinema Centennial and Imbibe Cinema programs. For information on year-round events and partnership opportunities, contact us.
Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival continues to build a reputation for exhibiting rare and compelling independent films while bridging the gap between the film-goer and the filmmaker.
General Rules for Entries
All early submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, November 8, 2024. All regular submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, December 20, 2024. All late submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, January 31, 2025. All eligible entries must be submitted online via FilmFreeway.
The festival does not enforce any category subject restrictions. Films can be of any style or genre. Above all, BWiFF seeks strong, passionate, unique storytelling. Each submission is carefully considered solely on its own merit by the festival programming committee.
Any and all submissions for the 2025 festival must have been completed no earlier than January 2022.
Film producers are responsible for all insurance and shipment costs. Every effort will be made to send notifications by Friday, March 14, 2025. Due to the high volume of entries received, possible e-mail complications, or inaccurate information provided by the submitter some notifications may not be received by the official notification date. If you have not received notification by March 14, 2025, we encourage you to please contact our programming department.
Awards & Prizes
Best of Fest
Audience Favorite
Best of Illinois
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Lead Performance
Best Supporting Performance
Best Achievement by a Young Performer
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Original Score
*Awards are subject to change without notice. There must be at least two films in each category to be eligible. Each year, awards may be added or subtracted from the list above at the discretion of our guest judges.
Submission Terms & Conditions
Entrants (“Entrant”) must agree to all Submission Terms and Conditions, which also includes deadline and entry material requirements. Please read all Submission Terms and Conditions in their entirety as submission fees are non-refundable. Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (“BWiFF”) is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition for promotional purposes.
I. All submissions are required to be submitted through FilmFreeway. Entrants should have the Download option enabled through their chosen video platform.
II. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
III. A paid entry fee is required for each submission. BWiFF does not consider requests for entry fee waivers or screening/rental fees.
IV. By submitting, the Entrant grants BWiFF non-exclusive permission to exhibit the film at the scheduled 2025 festival. Additionally, the Entrant agrees to allow BWiFF the option to showcase their film as part of a sponsored screening series outside of the festival run. Non-exclusive exhibition permissions shall not exceed twelve (12) months following the conclusion of the 2025 festival (May 6, 2026).
V. Entrants are responsible for obtaining all third-party clearances, licensing, permits, and releases necessary to have their films exhibited. BWiFF is not responsible for any infringement claims, including but not limited to, credit, copyrights, and/or trademarks.
VI. Entrants indemnify and hold harmless BWiFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees and costs of the court), which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the exhibition and marketing materials submitted.
VII. BWiFF is not responsible for any packaging or shipping costs in the return of exhibition copies and/or other promotional materials. Although due care will be exercised and staff will contact the entrant in the event defective materials are received, BWiFF cannot assume any liability for damage to entries. If the entrant has not received notification that their submission was received by March 14, 2025, it is the responsibility of the entrant to contact our programming department.
VIII. Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) are required and should include film stills, director(s) photos, brief director bio, synopsis, and above the line production credits. BWiFF reserves the right to secure substitute materials from other related sources if needed.
IX. Films accepted for exhibition are expected to provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) and an HD digital file no later than the deadline provided in the notice of acceptance. BWiFF reserves the right to determine which category is best suited for each film submitted.
X. Accepted entrants who plan on attending the festival are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and all other expenses. Each accepted filmmaker will receive two (2) festival passes.
XI. Entrant should not submit their film if there is a known possibility of withdrawal. BWiFF does not provide refunds to entrants without FilmFreeway Submission Protection and no refunds will be provided beyond five (5) days after submitting. No withdrawals will be honored by BWiFF after February 21, 2025.
XII. All of the above submission eligibility guidelines and general rules are subject to change by the BWiFF without notice.