Julien Dubuque International Film Festival

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival awards over $35,000 in Cash Prizes as it supports and acknowledges emerging filmmakers from around the world, with a strong emphasis on discovering and encouraging new talent, supporting cause-related films and bringing together all elements of filmmaking. 

The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) is a five-day celebration of independent film and special events, fostering connections and exposure and yielding substantial results for the independent filmmaker.  The festival has been voted Top 50 Worth Submission fee in 2016, 2017, 2019 & 2021.  

With the majority of events located on Main Street downtown Dubuque; Filmmakers, Attendees and Special Guests are able to attend numerous screenings, special events and interact amongst each other.

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. 

Cash prizes are awarded to winning filmmakers; as well as a PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT for those that are Officially Selected into the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit films. 

The coveted JDIFF "Feather" award, as well as $35,000 in CASH PRIZES and benefits are given in the following categories:

$ 4,000 Best Documentary
$ 4,000 Best Narrative Feature
$ 1,000 Best Short (3 - 20 min length)
$ 1,000 Best Short (21 - 49 min length)