Julien Dubuque International Film Festival

Regular Deadline: December 6, 2021 

Late Deadline: January 10, 2022

Extended Deadline: January 24, 2022

RANKED AS ONE OF THE TOP 50 FILM FESTIVALS WORTH THE SUBMISSION FEE BY MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE AND ONE OF THE TOP REVIEWED ON FilmFreeway, JDIFF is known for it's networking opportunities, best communication, quaint location, great programming, friendly staff & volunteers, inquisitive audience, multiple screening opportunities, workshops, panels, amazing events and parties and so much more! JDIFF is ALL about the independent filmmaker and truly geared for the best experience!

Dubuque, Iowa, located right alongside the Mississippi River, is a perfect place to host the festival. As quoted in Filmmaker Magazine "The festival is smartly situated downtown, with an assortment of handsome venues all within walking distance" from the Festival Headquarters, located in the grand HOTEL JULIEN, the same hotel where Al Capone used to hide out from the Chicago Feds.

Majority of events and venues are located on Main Street downtown Dubuque, allowing Filmmakers, Attendees and Special Guests to attend numerous screenings and events all within walking distance. We offer opportunities for radio, print and social media promotion, full shuttle service, home stay program and much more. We take care of our filmmakers and guests.

Our final nominees are judged by our Jury members of Film professionals, such as Directors, Producers, Critics, Director of Photography, etc and choose the final winner of each category.

JDIFF acknowledges emerging filmmakers from around the world and is committed to bringing world class entertainment to the heart of the midwest.

SPECIAL NOTE: MUST BE AN IOWA PREMIERE. If not, you may contact the festival for special consideration.
SPECIAL NOTE: MUST BE AN IOWA PREMIERE TO BE NOMINATED. No exceptions.
1). All decisions of programmers and jurors are final. All entries will be viewed and given equal consideration.
2). NO ENTRIES AND OR FINAL SELECTIONS WILL BE RETURNED.
3). We DO NOT pay for any screening fees for any film that was submitted for review.
4). All submitted materials must include the FilmFreeway tracking number and additional information as listed in the General Rules.
5). Press Kit materials as listed above will be sent only upon notification of Officially Selected. The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY of marketing and promotion if proper press kit materials are not sent after notification as deemed in the General Rules. It is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to send all materials listed.
6). Notification date is on or around March 01, 2022.
7). If selected as an Official Selection, projects are to be uploaded to the designated JDIFF Dropbox. One (1) screening copy must be sent on a DVD/Bluray or thumb-drive (thumb-drive preferred) as a backup
8). Exhibition copy of the film and marketing materials are to be sent per specs required once festival acceptance is announced. A letter will be sent to all those accepted with requirements and the date needed. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FILMMAKER TO SEND REQUIRED MATERIALS, PER SPECS SHEET, AT THE TIME GIVEN. IF FILMS AND MARKETING MATERIALS ARE NOT SENT IN TIME, JDIFF HAS THE RIGHT TO ELIMINATE THE FILM FROM THE FESTIVAL.
9). JDIFF reserves the right to select films from the entire pool of submissions.
10). Film may not have been completed before January 1, 2019.
11). JDIFF does consider works in progress, however prefers final projects in order for the best review and scoring possible.
12). All entered films grant the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival a non exclusive limited use agreement to use selected portions of films chosen for competition, and or use film promotional materials to promote the festival including the rights to utilize any excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at JDIFF for promotional purposes and/or on JDIFF's website. Filmmakers fully retain all rights, title and interest in their films and all intellectual Property.
13). JDIFF does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of materials. Please do not send us any original copies, master copies, the only copy you have, etc.
14). By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you certify that you hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film and have read the regulations.
15). Dates and guidelines subject to change without prior notice.
16). JDIFF pays for the top 3 nominees to attend the festival in the Feature, Documentary, Short I and Short II categories. Nominee flights are booked 4 weeks in advance of festival. You will be given a deadline to send requested information to JDIFF for booking. If requested information is not received by deadline, you will need to book your own flight and JDIFF will reimburse you up to $400.00. If you choose to book your own flight, JDIFF will reimburse you up to $400.00 for domestic, $600.00 for International. Nominees must be in attendance to win.

Thank you and happy submitting!