Get ready for an exciting week, Dubuque! It’s April and that means it’s almost time for the 15th annual Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF). Look for producers, directors, writers, actors, and film enthusiasts to arrive in Dubuque the week of April18 -25.
Since its very beginning, JDIFF has welcomed filmmakers from around the world and has adhered to its mission of “enriching the community and bridging cultures through the education and promotion of arts through independent film”. Attendees can expect to see films from all over the world as JDIFF continues to grow.
In 2026, JDIFF made Adrian Tofei’s List Top 30 Genre Programs in General Film Festivals for 2026 and in the Top 50 International Film Festivals for 2026. Tofei is a Romanian filmmaker and actor who has researched festivals for more than 10 years. JDIFF will welcome the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to the festival,” said Susan Gorrell, Executive Director of JDIFF. “Also, a French cinematographer will do a workshop on camera, and we will again be partnering with FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) who will award the FIPRESCI best feature film. And I hope to have a special effects technician come in and talk about that.”
Susan Gorrell is celebrating her 12th year as the Executive Director of JDIFF, a position she grew into after she came to the festival in 2012 with her own film A Million Spoke.” “There’s been an increase in the number and quality of films and the number of attendees. The enthusiasm of the community has grown over the years,” said Susan. “There will be more evening events and more music. Last year we started on a Sunday. This year we are starting on Saturday the 18th with an opening night film and an after party. First few days will once again include Galena at the DeSoto House Hotel, Country Inn & Suites Galena and the Galena Center for the Arts.
JDIFF received more than 1,300submissions including documentaries, features, and shorts for the 2026 festival. Screeners from all over the U.S. reviewed and scored the films. “Then I went over all the scores and comments and tried to be really creative in the programming, so we have a variety of genre,” said Susan. “This year, I took about 150.”
To read the remainder of this premium article and other premium articles in their entirety, pick up the Julien’s Journal April2026 issue. Single issues are available in print for free at area newsstands, or you can click here to read the entire article for free in the digital version of the magazine.
Read Julien’s Journal, CHOICES For Fifty Plus and Tri-State Home TRENDS from the Comfort of Your Home!
Click to subscribe or call 563.557.7571 to subscribe for convenient delivery to your home or business by mail.
Comment here