JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 

KICK OFF EVENT FULL OF SURPRISES
Kate Mulgrew, Louie Psihoyos among special guests

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival created some Hollywood-style buzz Tuesday night during its Kick Off party at Hotel Julien.

More than 200 people attended the event, which featured film trailers, Skype cameos from filmmakers, guest announcements, and more.

“I'm so excited for this year's festival,” said first-year Executive Director Susan Gorrell. “There is just so much going on and such a variety of events.”

One of the major announcements of the night was that all film screenings and events on the festival's opening day, Thursday, April 23, will be free.

“Thanks to one of our sponsors, Runde Auto Group, anyone can come and experience the festival that day,” Gorrell told the crowd. “We want to show people what we are all about and make it accessible to everyone.”

More than 35 films will be screened at 11 venues Thursday-Sunday, April 23-26, in downtown Dubuque.

Guests during the four-day festival will include bands such as BEATLEMANIA, TR3N, Di Sheldon, and FUSION, and comedians including Rell Battle (Laffapalooza & Comedy Central), Andy Sipes (Triptank & Adult Swim), and Guy Hutchison (Drunk on Disney).

Dubuque native and Academy-Award winner Louie Psihoyos (The Cove) will be in town for a red-carpet screening of his documentary “Racing Extinction” at 3 p.m., on Thursday, April 23, at Mindframe Theaters.

Actress Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black), who was the honorary chair of the inaugural festival in 2012, will also be in town to introduce the Silent Film Showcase at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at Five Flags. She will host a book signing at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, in the Grand Ballroom at Hotel Julien.

A Writer's Panel, at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the National Mississippi River Museum, will include a slew of Hollywood screenwriters, includingBrian Studler (Brothers & Sisters TV Series), Heather Hach (What to Expect When You're Expecting & Freaky Friday), Carl Ellsworth (Red Dawn & Disturbia), and Marilyn Atlas (Real Women Have Curves).

Hollywood stunt coordinator Monte Perlin (Men in Black 3 & Transformers: Dark of the Moon) will host a free stunt show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Five Flags Arena.

For continuously updated information and to buy tickets, visit www.julienfilmfest.com.

About the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival:

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is a four-day celebration of independent film and special events that fosters connections and exposure to yield substantial results for the independent filmmaker. Named one of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker Magazine in 2013, JDIFF acknowledges emerging filmmakers from around the world, with a strong emphasis on discovering and encouraging new talent.

April 23-26, 2015, Dubuque, Iowa