LETTER FROM
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR It’s an honor to welcome you to the eleventh annual Julien Dubuque International Film Festival ( JDIFF). If you are a returning filmmaker - welcome back! If you are new to JDIFF, I hope you enjoy your time here so much you will return! I first attended JDIFF’s inaugural year of 2012 as a filmmaker. I loved the community so much that in 2013 I volunteered to be a board member, worked part time for JDIFF in 2014, and in 2015 I had the honor of being hired as the Executive Director and continue to love it! The community, the filmmakers and the films are what make this festival consistently one of the top reviewed film festivals in the world and for multiple years in a row, one of the top 50 worth the submission fee by MovieMaker Magazine. I’m so grateful for the generosity of our supporters, donors and sponsors who believe in the festival and what we do. The financial contributions of these amazing people, as well as those who buy tickets to events and screenings provide our funding. They are the reason why we can continue to grow and bring the best in independent films to Dubuque and the Midwest. I’d like to also sincerely thank our incredible volunteers. They work tirelessly at the festival time, and for some throughout the year, to be sure everything runs smoothly. Lastly, thanks to the amazing Board of Directors. Thank you for your continued support and passionate engagement – not only during the festival but all year long. The wonders and stories brought through our amazing films create an opportunity for meeting and learning from people from all over the world. I hope that you enjoy the festival, meet awesome people, and have great things to tell your friends about your experience here. Remember, JDIFF is not just an event, it’s an adventure! SUSAN GORRELL
Executive Director
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